Where has the time gone? It’s now for another month’s recap. And I did get a lot read for March. Two Louisiana trips, what can I say? ๐
The book that stood out the most to me in my March reading was…



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Which one was your favorite?
Where has the time gone? It’s now for another month’s recap. And I did get a lot read for March. Two Louisiana trips, what can I say? ๐
The book that stood out the most to me in my March reading was…



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If you’re going to college or about to “step out into the world,” seriously… this book is great.ย I would call this book a “Guide for Stepping Into the World.” I am not a college student, nor do I feel God leading me to attend college, but the information in this book was still applicable to my own life. While there are many chapters on the practical side of juggling life, schedules, and making decisions, a large percentage of this book was spiritual — how to deal with doubt, how to be aware of satan’s tactics, what logical opposition one most likely will face, the list goes on. It was one of the most spiritual-strengthening and encouraging book that I’ve read in a while.
I loved how he included “passages to explore.” He had a lot of Scripture references. On this note, I personally prefer the KJV so I didn’t care for his encouragement to try out random versions, based on “what might work for you.” That would be my main disclaimer.
Also, I will note that there are chapters about purity. This book was written for older teens and I personally think that it would be wise to wait until you’re an older teen, “about to step into the world” to read this.
There were SO many good quotes! Here are a few:
“Will you define freedom as as living any way you want, or will you define it as the opportunity to live how you ought to live?”
“The truth is discovered, not created.”
“Truth may be hard to discover, but just because the quest proves difficult doesn’t mean the treasure doesn’t exist.”
“As Christians, we ought to be passionate about knowing the truth because God is passionate about making it known.”
“It is better to fall a hundred times and confess it a hundred times than to stay on the ground and call that which is sinful good. (Proverbs 24:16)”
“Remember that being courageous doesn’t mean we aren’t afraid, it just means we choose to move forward in spite of our fear.”
“Before we can determine what implications a particular [Bible] text has for our lives, we must first discover what the text means.”
*I received this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange of my honest review*
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It’s Friday again! Which is when I get to talk about books. ๐ Not like I need an excuse… ๐
Yesterday, I went thrift store shopping, which usually means getting new books. And yep, yesterday was no exception (though, for the record, I did only get four books). The book I’m most excited about is…

A few weeks ago, I had gotten World War II Heroes and really liked the author’s writing as well as reading about lesser-known men (see my review of it here).
Anyway, first lines!
I’ve read the first chapter, which is an overview of 9/11. I was only a pre-teen when 9/11 happened but I remember it vividly. It will be very sobering to read about it.
What are you reading this weekend? Any first lines to share?
By Bonnie Rickner Jenson; Illustrated by Laura Watkins
*I received this book from BookLook Bloggers and happily provided my review*
Book Description
God loves Mommy and me, He knows we love Him too, When we pray we always say, โYouโre so good, Godโthank You!โ
Snuggle in cozy-close with a sweet reminder of Godโs love for mommies and their little ones. Celebrating loving mothers, precious children, and the God who loves them all, God Loves Mommy and Me will remind parents and little ones of how much they are loved.
Purchase the book here.
Eight books this month! Wowie. Two trips helped with that. ๐
My balance got a little out this month, as I agreed to review quite a few books. So I only read twonon-fiction. Whoopsie!
Starting with…
MY FAVORITE!!!









I enjoyed almost every aspect of this book. Sure, parts of it made me go, “No! Ohhhh no!” because I predicted what was happening, but of course, I didn’t want the characters to make such unwise choices. But I even enjoyed that, from a writers’ point of view.
I’d say it wasn’t fully predictable. It’s hard to discern that, as I study plot and so guess from the writer’s brain, not just as a reader.
I loved all of the characters. I identified with Grace and the way she viewed/processed things. Theo and Bess probably tied as my favorite characters (even though when Bess first came as a character highlight it made me slightly confused why she was there). Though I also really like Philemon and Earl. Okay, I liked Earl a lot too. His character growth was one of my favorites.
For some reason, in several books I’ve read recently, it’s confusing if the struggling characters are saved DURING the novel, or if they were previous saved and during the novel, turn back to Christ after wandering. This was such with Theo. By the end, he definitely was following God, but it’s unclear if he was truly born-again in the beginning of the novel or not.
Spiritually… five stars hands down! This is why I liked Bess SO much. She was the perfect older, wiser woman whose counsel was solid, Biblical, and right on. There were so many times during the novel that I applauded her for her counsel. Very much NOT a “follow your heart” read! And the conclusion of the book’s message…yeah. It was just so very good!
Romance…it was there, but it wasn’t all mushy, gushy. In fact, I don’t remember a single kiss. Like I said, I came away from the book with the message of, “Follow God, not love.”
Not to rave, but I really liked this book. Like a lot. Like, it’s re-readable worth it. And I don’t say that about many books that I read. ๐ Just an extra piece of endorsement there. ๐
*I received this book from Blogging for Books and happily gave my honest review*
About Grace and the Preacher
At the age of twenty-four, postmistress Grace Cristler has all but given up hope of finding a husband among the narrowing group of eligible men in her town of Fairland, Kansas. But when her uncle decides to retire from the pulpit, Grace is responsible for corresponding with the new preacher set to take his place. She canโt deny the affection growing in her heart for Reverend Rufus Dilleโa man she deeply admires, but has only met through his letters.
Theophil Garrison is on the run from a past and a label heโs desperate to escape. Ten years ago, his outlaw cousins convinced him to take part in a train robbery, but Theo fled the scene, leaving his cousins to face imprisonment. Now their sentence is complete, but the plan for vengeance has only just begun. Branded a coward and running for his life, a chance encounter could provide Theo with the escape he needs.
But the young manโs desperate con might come at an enormous price for the tenderhearted Graceโand the entire town. Will Graceโs undeserved affection and Godโs mercy make something beautiful from the ashes of Theoโs past?
About Kim Vogel Sawyer
With over 40 titles on library shelves and more than 1.5 copies of her books in print worldwide, Kim Vogel Sawyer enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Empty-nesters, Kim and her retired military husband, Don, are active in their churchโs music ministry. Additionally, Kim helps lead womenโs fellowship and enjoys teaching at writing conferences and spiritual retreats. When she isn’t writing, Kim enjoys quilting, traveling, and spoiling her granddarlings.








