It’s insane to me how deep and insightful the author is in what he pulls out of human interaction and behavior - the things that we do or think out of brokenness or belonging or love or fear. 

I loved the concepts of friendship and belonging and unconditionalness in this, and also creativity and the stories and seeing worth in yourself and others. His dry humor is absolutely perfect. I would be laughing one second and close to tears at the next. And the entire time just completely wrapt in the thinking and pondering. This may be a favorite for the year for me…

Lots of good action and suspense. And interesting look at some behind the scenes on fashion shows too. Like the last book there wasn’t as much character development but it was still a great action based story. 

I liked this so much. It was both funny and relatable. I felt for both Winnie and James at various points, and actually related to James a ton. Since the enneagram was brought up in the book, I’m sure he was a fellow 5 and was represented well. His struggles with people, his space, and being overwhelmed were entirely misunderstood by so many except those who were closest to him and Winnie did so well at challenging him but understanding him. I felt seen lol. 

Good suspense and action. It was a little annoying that Cole and Isabelle almost never talked to each about anything substantial but the relationships in this one were definitely secondary to the plot. 

Great strategy and action. It was a little slower and methodical but that felt appropriate given the way a real military/SEAL individual would act. The weapon detail I got a little lost in but I just kind of skimmed that. 

Fantastic combination of history, mystery and suspense, and romance. The story of Jack the Ripper and the mystery surrounding it gave such a great backdrop to the time crossing scenario, the what ifs, whodunnits, and what do you do. Loved Kate and Austen as well. The series just keeps getting better and better. 

Interesting and well written. It was easy to identify and feel for the characters and the story flowed nicely. The setting in Maui was fun as a beach read and added a lightness to the book. 

I loved the friendships that Em and Finn had with the other characters and the emphasis placed on how important relationship and community is. I loved Em and how she developed. 

As someone who has my own health and autoimmune issues, it was nice to identify with the Em and some of the other’s with their T1D and Hyperthyroid struggles. Most books don’t offer that take on every day life so it was unique and added a great layer. 

I did find the beginning was a little confusing and reread it a couple times trying to figure out what was going on with all the characters/location initially. I still don’t really understand it, honestly, but maybe I just missed it, how Finn came to be there and why they were all living there in one place. It just would’ve been nice to have more context to the setting there. The character development was great throughout, but some of the setting there and elsewhere in the book lacked context in transitions or details. 

Thanks to the author for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine. 

Jameson Jr’s story of perseverance, faith, and perspective is inspiring and full of hope. While what he and his parents went thru was horrific, they are a testimony that God can use the worst situations for good, and a a hopeful outlook and determination makes so much difference in the outcome. I look forward to hearing about what Jameson grows up to be and do with such an incredible faith and trajectory.

I appreciated much of the practical and down to earth parts of Jameson Sr and Mary’s struggles to parent as you watch your child suffer and struggle with something beyond their control. They handled well the concept of trauma-induced fear and not forcing the overcoming of it but not idling in the fear either. It was relatable and encouraging. 

For the writing, the story is narrated from the perspective of both parents, Jameson Sr and Mary Reeder, as authors, volleying back and forth on their experiences or thoughts. After the initial part of the accident, the majority of the book reads much like an interview of the two of them. 

I did find some of the book to be a bit repetitive and other parts were somewhat irrelevant, such as the sections on how the Reeders met and got married or Jameson Sr’s childhood. It wasn’t really pertinent to the son’s story and felt a little like we veered off from the overall intention and focus of the book there. 

Overall I enjoyed reading of the Reeder family’s story and will be praying for the continued journey. It was inspiring and I’m glad to have known it. 

Thanks to Worthy Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine. 

Beaufully done. I loved both Gabriel and Effie and how strong and confrontational but smart they both were. Even tho they challenged everything and stood for what they believed it didn’t make them reckless. I loved how resourceful and brave Effie was even though she still had weaknesses. The book had some great sleuthing and strategy in both perspectives that was even more interesting in the overlap and conflict. Such a great start to this new series and I loved all of it. 

Well written and interesting. In addition to a downed undercover airman being hidden, it gave you a good, but brief look at what living in Germany during the rise of Hitler was like. It showed both the disillusionment of it was for some, and the obsession for others. I had thought it would go into more detail on the White Rose but in and of itself I enjoyed it.