Three Books I Highly Recommend

Sometimes we are in the mood for some sweet comfort food. These three books will entertain you in a positive way, and you may even be inspired. Enjoy- my treat!

Sunrise Cabin by Stacey Donovan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“This could be a Hallmark movie!” Well, yes it could, and I believe it will be! When you think of Hallmark stories, you think “warm, gentle, sweet, pure, love, hope, tears, hugs, smiles.” And that’s what this charming book delivers.

Paige and Dylan’s first encounter is at a local coffee shop in Denver. Their “meet-cute” is literally that because pretty Paige is so sweetly cute.

Paige lives in a log cabin close to town. She starts each day by standing on her patio and watching the sunrise and reviewing her gratitude list. She teaches first grade, makes her own clothes with hearts, pumpkins and other seasonal motifs, creates the most festive Hallowe’en displays and always looks on the bright side.

Dylan is a hard-driving investment banker who lives in a stark, modern downtown Denver loft. While he seems to be guided solely by a need for success, he has a solid, endearing side, too.

We get to know their friends and family who are all delightful people. A fireside first kiss promises a Happily Ever After. But then comes a complication which tests their relationship.

Too gooey and syrupy for you? Don’t even think that! Yes, Author Stacey Donovan sprinkles plenty of glitter and heart emojis throughout the story, but this is one of the best sweet romances I have ever read. The characters and settings are real and there is a genuine joy to be found in the pages. Plus, there’s a muffin recipe! Another entry into the Hallmark Hall of Fame- highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for an ARC. This is my honest review.

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The Life-Giving Leader: Learning to Lead from Your Truest Self by Tyler Reagin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You wake up- it’s a work day! Are you excited about the day ahead, or do you grown and hide under the covers? Are you a life giving leader or do you wonder if you even have what it takes to be a leader? Here’s what the Author might say to you- “Let’s live lives we like!”

Tyler Reagin has written a clear and positive book to guide you to give your best, to yourself and others, in the ministry or in the marketplace. Each chapter is filled with concise and meaningful words of power that are easy to remember. He will plant the seeds for you to grow.

He quotes scripture, and Jesus, and also gives us advice from variety or sources- from Downton Abbey and Martin Luther King. The Author has a friendly and exhuberant style and is quite willing to share interesting stories from his own life. (Note to Mr. Reagin- I like the crispy M & M’s, too!)

Are you self-confident? Are you healthy? Do you accept yourself and appreciate that God created you how he wants you to be? Do you like the way you live, work and play? Each chapter teaches and then challenges you to lean in to Jesus and be yourself.

This book inspired me and I took many notes, and marked many pages as I read it. I know I will be referring to it again and again. Learn to be a life giving leader with this life enhancing book. Highly recommend.

Thanks to Waterbrook Press and Multnomah for an ARC

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Seven Days to Paradise by Karan Eleni
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can you find paradise in seven days? Take a cruise and you just might! And if you do take a cruise, be sure to bring this story- it will be perfect entertainment as you relax and sail in to a port.

Liv and Lori are best friends who book a last-minute cruise. Fun times in the sun fill each page as you laugh and enjoy their escapades. Liv and Lori meet up with a wedding party. Drama ensues, drinks abound and snarkiness levels go way up.

Clay and Sam are part of the wedding bunch, and so is Mollie, the evil sister of the bride. Clay and Mollie have a history that seems to be getting in the way. Will business-like Lori give him a chance?

You will enjoy seeing it all unfold, and the many scenes of the joys of cruising add to the delight of this novella.

Thanks to Net Galley and Kindred Ink Press for an ARC.

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