Read the post here at Mikayla Holman
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Monday, May 27, 2019
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Livy Without You || Giveaway
Hello everyone! Today I'm doing a review for Live Without You by Sarah Grace Grzy
Here's what it's about:
Piper Redding is a loner, but lonely. Everyone she loves has abandoned her and opening her heart to others is just asking for more pain. She can’t help but blame herself for her brother’s tragic death six years ago, and in her guilt, she shuts herself off from the world. No one could love her—not even the God who promised to be there for her but wasn’t. For paramedic Ezra Bryant, failure is not an option. He’s had enough of it, and only by God’s grace is he able to put it behind him. But when a traumatic event brings Piper’s greatest fear and Ezra’s failures to light, can they use that event to allow God to mend their broken pieces? Can love triumph over fear, and grace over guilt?
My Review:
I was so blessed to be both a beta reader and an advanced reader for this beautiful little book. I have rarely read a book that I fell in love with so much the first time I read it.
The first thing that really struck me about this book was how real the characters felt. They had faults and good attributes, things that they didn't like about themselves and it all worked together beautifully for the plot. The thing that made this book as good as it was, was the message. It had a powerful message woven into the pages, so strong that if you took it away, the book wouldn't make sense. That's my favorite kind of message. I was rooting for the characters at every step.
And goodness, that plot twist. O.o I did not see that coming at all.
My only small complaints were that 1. The characters full names were repeated a lot, which got a tad annoying. 2. There was some pretty big run on sentences that got a tiny bit confusing.
Overall, this book was amazing. I recommend it to anyone looking of an encouraging message that will leave them wanting to give their life over more fully to God.
About Sarah Grace Grzy:
Sarah Grace Grzy is a voracious reader, and if it weren’t for this crazy thing called 'Life,' she’d be tempted to spend all her days in front of a wood stove, book in one hand, coffee mug in the other.
A lover of learning, she finds enjoyment in many things and has more hobbies than she knows what to do with. Sarah Grace is a freelance web and graphic designer, and when not working, spending time with her ever-growing family, or reading, she can be found painting, playing the piano, or fangirling with her sisters and friends. She inhabits the State of Great Lakes, and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else—unless it meant she could have a baby penguin, in which case, she’d gladly move to the South Pole.
Giveaway Information:
Grand Prize ~ $20 Amazon gift card, Signed Paperback of Live Without You, Specialty designed mug.
Second Prize ~ $5 Amazon gift card, ebook copy of Live Without You
3 Third Prize Winners ~ Ebook copy of Live Without You
Grand prize open to US entrants only, 2nd and 3rd prizes available internationally. Giveaway runs from 12AM 1.21.19 - 12AM 2.23.19. Victoria Lynn Designs retains the right to disregard any entries that they deem bogus or spam. Good luck to the entrants!
Monday, January 14, 2019
20 Questions About Books
I've been trying to do fewer tags, but the lovely Kate tagged me for this, and it had some fun questions. =)
1. How many books are too many in a series?
I typically get tired of a series after about five to six books. It depends on how interested I am. After six books, I am definitely ready for some things to be wrapped up.
2. How do you feel about cliffhangers?
While they can be rather frustrating as a reader, I like them. It makes me anticipate the next book (or chapter) more.
3. Hardback or paperback?
Paperback. Hardbacks are pretty, but they are way to hard to hold. I much prefer light paperbacks!
4. Favorite book?
1. Timothy and Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay. <3
5. Least favorite book?
Ehh, I don't really keep track of things like that.
6. Love Triangle… yes or no?
Not generally, since it's normally not done well, but I won't turn down a book just cause it's got one in it.
7. The most recent book you couldn’t finish?
Home Fires of the Great War by Rebekah Morris, but that was because my Kindle Unlimited subscription ran out. I was also slightly bored. *shrugs*
8. A book you’re currently reading?
Your Best Year Ever, and The Lion The Witch, and the Wardrobe. *Grins*
9. The last book you recommended to someone?
I think it was Kiera by Kate Willis.
10. Oldest book you’ve read (based on publication date)?
The Plymouth Plantation from 1651. A tad on the boring side but packed full of information!
11. Newest book you’ve read (based on publication date)?
Live Without You by Sarah Grace Grzy
12. Favorite author?
Jessica Grayson and Sarah Holman.
13. Buying books or borrowing them?
I like borrowing books first, making sure I like them and then buying them.
14. A book you dislike that everyone else loves?
A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes.
15. Bookmarks or dog-ears?
Bookmarks. I've got a bucketload of bookmarks and I love them all. Dogeared pages really bug me...
16. A book you can reread over and over?
Dear Mr. Knightly and Annabeths War. *Happy sigh*
17. Can you read while listening to music?
I can but I prefer not to.
18. Multiple POVs or one POV?
I much prefer to read only one and first person is my favorite. I don't mind two perspectives, but any more then that and it starts getting a little much for me.
19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days on average?
Depends on the book. I used to read a ton of books in one sitting, but now I do it over a few days, and its fine with me that way. I have more time to relish the book. =)
20. Who do you tag?
Anyone who wants to. (Seriously though, I don't know many people who still do tags)
Friday, January 4, 2019
Top 10 Books of 2018
Happy new year, everyone!! These are my top 10 books of the year. I'm not great at mini-reviews, but hopefully, this will still be good. =)
10.
The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller
An extremely well-done Regency book. My favorite part is that it's aimed for Christians, so the theme is about problems we face being Christians, not about becoming one. Also, the romance was the sweetest!
9.
Live Without You by Sarah Grace Grzybowski
This book was the most refreshing books I've read in a long time. The strong themes, great characters, and amazing romance were amazing. (This will be releasing later this month!)
8.
Beautiful Blue World by Suzanne LaFleur
This book made me want to laugh, cry, and learn how to be a better friend. It was intense and super deep. I related to the main character so much, it's hard to properly put into words this book.
7.
Before Amen by Max Lucado
While this book didn't tell me a lot I didn't know, it refreshed a lot and made it clearer. This made me see the reason behind prayers better then I had before.
6.
A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White
This book was incredible. I have rarely ever read a book with such vivid character, or ones I loved so much. The themes were great, and I didn't want it to end!
5.
Kate's Conundrum by Sarah Holman
These characters were the best and seriously, this book tackled some pretty big issues. This series is one of my favorites. <3
4.
Bitter Winter by Jaye L. Knight
This series is so incredible, and this book was no exception. The characters in here and the powerful themes just blew me away.
3.
The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas
This book was one of the most powerful ones I read this year. It digs to the core of why we believe, and just how far we are willing to go for our faith. I was challenged in my walk with God by this book.
2.
Kiera by Kate Willis
I don't even know what to say about this book. It seems impossible to sum up. It was powerful and heartwarming, and heartbreaking all at the same time. I wish I could have given it more stars.
1.
Christy by Catherine Marshall
This was the most incredible book I have read all year. It was perspective changing and convicting. It made me laugh, and want to cry. I wouldn't recommend this to readers under fifteen.
So there you have it, my top 10 of the 132 books that I read last year! Have you read any of these books? What were some of your favorite books from 2018?
Friday, June 22, 2018
Keira Blog Tour || Character Interview
Alright, I've got a special guest on my blog today: Jade. Who is Jade? Well, she's a little girl from Kate Willis's new book Keira. This book is releasing next week, and honestly, she's my favorite. I've already done one post about this book, over here.
So, here is the inverview with Jade: (She's two, by the way)
So Jade, could you tell us about your kitten?
Ummm… My kitty is fuwwy and gway. He jus likes to wave his tail at me.
Where is your favorite place to go?
To see Gwammy. She lets me have strawbewwies, and I jus eats them all. *eyes widen for emphasis*
Could you tell us about your Aunt Destiny?
*giggles* She’s funny. She gave me my kitty.
What's your favorite thing to do with Kiera? We jus plays dolliesh. *shrugs* And the tea party.
And lastly, what kind of cake do you like best?
*claps hands together and jumps up and down* Chlokit!!! With sprinkles. I jus eats all the sprinkles. Nom, nom, nom. *runs off to ask for sprinkles*
You can find the book here on Goodreads
Kate's Bio:
Her blog
She's got a super awesome giveaway going on, so you should definitly check it out! There are some awesome preizes included and it's super easy to enter! (You can happy dance as an enter. No lie. This giveaway is awesome.)
Giveaway link
Check out the rest of the giveaway on Kates blog here.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Kiera Cover Reveal
I was blessed to be a part of the beta readers team for Kiera by Kate Willis and I am stoked about the release! It's coming out in late June, but I'm here to share the cover!
Isn't it gorgeous? Ever since I read it I've wanted it on my bookshelf, and now I want it even more!! The characters are the best part! <3
Synopsis:
Kiera is looking forward to her eighteenth birthday. The official end of school, a party with her best friend, and chocolate cake. A sudden military draft, no possible exemptions, had never crossed her mind.
Kiera is terrified! Getting drafted would mean leaving her family, her little friend Jade—life as she knows it.
A surprising offer from Brennan Stewart just might be the answer to her prayers, but an even worse trial leaves her with one question…
If God truly loves her, why did this tragedy happen?
About Kate:
Kate Willis has been homeschooled her whole life in a loving family that values the Gospel of Jesus Christ, creativity, and thoughtful conversations. She is inspired by red shoes, a good story, little children, and chai tea. It is her desire to serve God in the home having a family of her own in the future. She is the author of The Treasure Hunt, The Twin Arrows, and two short stories Enjoy the Poodle Skirt and Red Boots.
Any of y'all excited for this? I'm getting even more excited just talking about it!
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Five Books That Have Impacted Me This Year
Today I wanted to share five books that have impacted me this year. Yeah, I know we're only three months into the year, but I've already read some pretty incredible books!
#1
Before Amen by Max Lucado
This amazing book has completely changed the way I pray. It didn't lay out a lot of rules, instead it gave convicting reasons as to why you should pray. Lucado did an amazing job of explaining why we pray.
#2
Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke
I don't know why it took me so long to read this book. The whole thing was simply be
autiful. The whole book reminded me of how precious faith in God is, and how gentle that love is. <3
(I would recommend this to readers 15+ due to mature themes)
#3
Beautiful Blue World by Suzanne LaFeur
I almost feel wrong including this book, because I just read it today. Yep. But it was awesome. The strong family theme, and recognizing your worth was amazing. This book surprised me in so many ways.
(Note, this book is not Christian, but is extremely clean)
#4
The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller
I love Jane Austen, so reading this was a treat. I went in expecting a nice light read, and ended up with the beautiful book with deep themes. The message hit home and I found myself loving this book much more then I expected to.
#5
Your Kingdom Calling by Rachel Starr Thomson
This book was short, but packed full of biblical truth. Rarely have I enjoyed a non-fiction this much. seriously, the whole thing was just amazing. It was very encouraging, and I've got to be honest, I loved how short it was.
(Just a note, this book is free on Kindle)
So what are some good books you've read this year?
Got any recommendations for me? I'm always looking for clean Christian reads!
Friday, March 16, 2018
Cover Reveal || Tricia Mingerink
Hello everyone! I'm here to help reveal the cover of Tricia Mingerink's new book. Are you ready?
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About the book:
A prince cursed to sleep.
A princess destined to wake him.
A kingdom determined to stop them.
High Prince Alexander has been cursed to a sleep like unto death, a
curse that will end the line of the high kings and send the Seven Kingdoms of
Tallahatchia into chaos. With his manservant to carry his luggage and his own
superior intelligence to aid him, Alex sets off to find one of the Fae and end
his curse one way or another.
A hundred years later, Princess Rosanna learns she is the princess destined
by the Highest King to wake the legendary sleeping prince. With the help of the
mysterious Daemyn Rand, can she find the courage to finish the quest as
Tallahatchia wavers on the edge of war?
One curse connects them. A hundred years separate them. From the rushing
rivers of Tallahatchia’s mountains to the hall of the Highest king himself,
their quests will demand greater sacrifice than either of them could
imagine.
Release Date: May 28, 2018
About the author:
Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country
girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she
isn’t writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the
country.
Monday, December 25, 2017
Merry Christmas || My Top Books of 2017
Hello everyone, Merry Christmas!! I hope your day has been amazing!
I thought I'd go ahead and share my top books of 2017. First I'm going to start off with a couple short storys! All links lead to Goodreads.
Short Story's:
(I will not be counting these with my books, but I felt they deserved a spot here.
1. Andora's Folly by Abigayle Claire
(An amazing retelling of Pandora's box)
2. Last Wish by Valerie Howard
(This story left me crying)
3. Red Boots by Kate Willis
(A sweet, heartfelt story)
4. A Place Called Lonesome by Jesseca Wheaton
(Had me crying in a good way)
5. Friends and Enemies by Jessica Greyson
(Awesome story collection)
My Favorite books of the year, not necessarily in order.
1. The Girl Who Could See by Kara Swanson
(This was probably one of the best written books I've ever read)
2. Exiles by Jaye L. Knight
(One of my favorites in this series so far)
3. Martin Hospitality by Abigayle Claire
(An amazing debut book with a powerful message)
4. Control Girl by Shannon Popkin
(Now my number one favorite non fiction book)
5. Emmeline by Sarah Holman
(An amazing retelling of my favorite Jane Austen book)
6. Grace Triumphant by Alicia A. Willis
(A powerful portrayal of grace)
7. Brothers-in-Arms by Jack Lewis Baillot
(An amazing, and realistic view at WWII)
8. Gift from the Storm by Rebekah A. Morris
(An awesome story and mystery)
9. Firmament: Gestern by J. Grace Pennington
(Thought provoking and action packed)
10. At Every Turn by Anne Mateer
(A beautiful story with a great message)
What are your favorite books you've read this year?
Have you read any of these?
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