Book Review ~ Alaska Twilight by Colleen Coble ~ 2/24/2025

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Title:   "Alaska Twilight" by Colleen Coble

Series:  N/A

Format:  AudioBook

Narrator:  Rachel Dulude

Length:  8 hours 16 minutes

Date Published:  April 23, 2019

Publisher:   Tantor Audio

Stars: ***1/2

 Blurb:

For some people, Alaska is a breathtaking wilderness adventure, full of light and beauty. For Haley, it is a dangerous world of dark dreams and tortured memories. On the surface, she's here to document wildlife activist Kipp Nowak's bear encounters. But her real reason is to unearth the truth about a past murder. The suspense mounts when another body turns up, and Haley beginst to wonder if the tragedies she experienced in the past are connected to the dangers and mysterious incidents of the present.

From behind the viewfinder of her camera, Haley observes it all, including Tank Lassiter, the bear biologist who has been forced to lead Kipp and his team into the Alaskan backcountry. As she watches him with his work, she feels a growing attraction. It will take great courage and faith to confront the truth she once ran away from. Before it's over, Haley may be viewing herself from an entirely new angle.

My Thoughts:

  I really enjoyed most aspects of this book.

The narrator was good.  The setting was amazing.  The characters were well developed.  The faith content was on point.  The suspense was great.   The romance was...a bit cliche.

Haley was a city-girl photographer going back to Alaska to face her past and document wild bear through film.  Tank was a widowed bear biologist leading the expedition.  The set-up was enjoyable.  In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the book until the last few chapters.

Then one of my pet peeves surfaced.

Tank and Haley were frantically searching for Brooke, Tank's daughter, and didn't know if she was alive or dead out in the Alaskan wilderness.  Tank took that moment to "crush" Haley to himself, kiss her as if his life depended on it and declared his love for her.  Out of the blue.  In a very inappropriate situation, if you ask me.  Haley, at least, does later question whether Tank was just emotional at that moment and if he really meant his undying love declaration.

Ughh...  What could have been at least a 4.5 star read instantly took a nose dive for me to a be a 3.5 star read.  Not that that a 3.5 star rating is terrible but it could have been better.

I will say that this book was originally written in 2006, so almost 20 years ago.  Christian Fiction has come a long way in that time in the romantic suspense genre.

I usually LOVE Colleen Coble's work but the last quarter of this book just didn't mesh well for me.

Onto the next book :)

Book Review ~ A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell ~ 2/17/2025

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Title:   "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure" by Angela Bell

Series:  The Librarian of Boone's Hollow Book 1

Format:  AudioBook

Narrator:  Beverley A. Crick

Length:  12 hours 28 minutes

Date Published:  February 27, 2024

Publisher:   Recorded Book Inc.

Stars: *** 1/2

 Blurb:

Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane.

London, England, 1860
When Clara's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes, society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.

Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond haunted by the war, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt across Europe. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost.

My Thoughts:

  I'm a bit torn with my thoughts on this book.  I wanted to LOVE it but I have to admit to just LIKING the book.

The story-line was fun but I found it overly flowery and wordy.

I didn't really like the main female character, Clara, very much.  She was spoiled and thought she had to control everything and everyone.  I did, though, appreciate how she learned to rely on God for His strength and not only in herself by the end of the book. 

Arthur/Theodore, the main male character, was a bit of a pushover and Clara was downright MEAN to him for most of the book.  I did enjoy the fact that he learned to accept God's forgiveness and began to see his worth as a man.

I wish that there was more of Grand, Clara's Grandfather, in the story.  He was a very interesting character as was Clara's mother and her menagerie of mix-matched animals.

This was only my second time listening to an audiobook.  I wonder if the fact that the narrator had a flowery British accent affected my enjoyment of the story or if it was the fantastical elements of the story.

At any rate, LIKED but not LOVED...

Onto the next book :)

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P.S.

I decided to make a fun game for myself out of the 2025 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge.  Instead of seeing how many books I can read for each prompt, I'm going to see how many prompts I can fill with each book I read/listen to.

This book fills the following prompts:

1.  My Favorite Color - Turquoise

2.  Headwear - Bonnet

3.  Illustrated Scene

4.  Someone Wearing Period Clothing ~ Clara and Theodore

5.  A Bird ~ Owl

6.  Jewelry ~ Pocket Watch

7.  Cityscape

That brings the tally to:

7  

prompts filled in just one book!

Book Review ~ The Librarian of Boone's Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer ~ 1/30/2025

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Title:   "The Librarian of Boone's Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Series:  The Librarian of Boone's Hollow Book 1

Format:  AudioBook

Narrator:  Kate Forbes

Length:  12 hours 32 minutes

Date Published:  October 13, 2020

Publisher:   Recorded Book Inc.

Stars: *****

 Blurb:

During the Great Depression, Addie Cowherd dreams of being a novelist and offering readers the escape that books gave her during her tragic childhood. When her adoptive father loses his job, she is forced to leave college and take the only employment she can find--delivering books on horseback to poor coal mining families in the hills of Kentucky.

The small community of Boone's Hollow is suspicious of outsiders and steeped in superstitions that leave Addie feeling rejected and indignant. Although she finds an unexpected friend in an elderly outcast, the other horseback librarians scorn her determination to befriend Nanny Fay.

Emmett Tharp grew up in the tiny mountain hamlet where most men either work in the coal mine or run moonshine. He's the first in the community to earn a college degree, and he has big dreams, but witnesses the Depression robbing many young men of their future.

Then someone sets out to sabotage the library program, going so far as to destroy Addie's novel in progress. Will the saboteur chase Addie and the other librarians away, or will knowledge emerge victorious over prejudice? Is Emmett the local ally that Addie needs--and might their friendship lead to something more?

Inspired by the real WPA program that sent librarians on horseback to deliver books to hill families in Kentucky, Kim Vogel Sawyer immersed herself in Appalachian history to tell this captivating story.

My Thoughts:

Where to begin?

I guess I'll start by saying that this was my first ever audiobook!  I never ever thought I'd be an audiobook-er but I think I'm hooked!  I can only hope that all narrators are as good as Kate Forbes.  I enjoyed her voice(s) immensely.

I don't know that I would have picked this book up by myself, but it was the January selection for the "Good for the Soul Women's Book Club".  (We actually JUST got done with our Zoom book discussion about 30 minutes ago.)  I'll even admit that I didn't vote for this book in the selection process.  However, I'm so glad it won out!

I honestly don't know where to start reviewing this story so I'll just jump in.

AMAZING!

At first, though, I was a bit hesitant because the story seemed to be unfolding rather slowly.  As I continued on, I can now see that it was necessary so that the main picture could evolve.

I would say that there were actually 4 main characters in this book.  Emmett, Addie, Bettina, and Nanny Fay.  Nanny Fay was actually my favorite character in the whole book!  She was so wise and full of faith and trust in the LORD even after her rather hard life story.

The main theme of this book was not romance, at least in my opinion.  (In fact, there was very little romance until the Epilogue.  Definitely a slow burn kind of book.)  Instead it was about relationships.  And I loved it!

It was so interesting to read bout the library initiative during the Great Depression.  Books open a person up to a whole world that otherwise would have never been experienced and I feel like "The Librarian of Boone's Hollow' did just that for me.

Kim Vogel Sawyer masterfully wove a community of characters that will stay with me for quite some time.  

Onto the next book :)

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P.S.

I decided to make a fun game for myself out of the 2025 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge.  Instead of seeing how many books I can read for each prompt, I'm going to see how many prompts I can fill with each book I read/listen to.

"The Librarian of Boone's Hollow" by Kim Vogel Sawyer fills the following prompts:

1.  Mode of Transportation  - Mule

2.  Bookish Elements - Books

3.  Silhouette or Shadow - Silhouette of horse and rider

4.  Proper Noun in the title or design - Boone's Hollow

That brings the tally to:

4  

prompts filled in just one book!

Happy Homemaker Monday~ 1/27/2025

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

And just like that we're on the last Monday of January 2025.

February is going to be bitter-sweet for me.  Yes, we've (almost) made it through January, but on Sunday, February 2nd my little Groundhog Baby turns 18 years old!  Where have the years gone?  The hubby and I will have our 25th dating anniversary in March, Kaylee turns 24 in June and Laken is days away from being 18.  Our little family is grown up and I'm feeling a bit emotional thinking about it...so...

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

A touch warmer than last week.  Actually, a lot warmer than last week...lol!  Schools in our area were either closed or delayed for 3 days last week due to the cold temperatures.  Well, I guess I should say schools were "virtual".

On today's to-do list:

**I'm typing this on Sunday afternoon/evening (for reference).**

I work 10a-5p.  Other than that it should be a fairly normal day of trying to get back into the routine of the week.

Happening this week:

I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10a-5p.

Wednesday is my SIL, Kelly's, birthday.  Any ideas what I can give to her as a birthday gift?

Thursday evening is zoom meeting night for the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.  I have a whole post about our February 2025 book selection, you can check that out HERE.  But first, I have to finish listening to January's book!

Saturday, we'll be celebrating Laken's birth.  We're thinking of getting dressed up and taking her out to a nice restaurant in the evening.

Sunday, we'll be celebrating Laken's birthday.  I'm not sure what we'll do on her actual birthday other than have cake at Church for her.  Any good ideas?

Currently reading:

I wrote on Friday's "My Weekly Bookishness" post that I've finally discovered listening to audio-books.  "The Librarian of Boone's Hollow" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is my first ever audio-book.  It is the January 2025 book club selection and as I mentioned above, I need to finish it before 8pm on Thursday.  I only have a few more hours to listen to so I "think" I'll make it.  

Listening to:

"Oh Death" by MercyMe debuted on KLOVE radio a few days ago and they played it every hour at the top of the hour.  I love it!  Let me know what you think.  Enjoy :)

Watching:

NFL Championship games.  By the time you read this it will probably be decided what teams will be playing in the Super Bowl.  At this point, 5:06pm on Sunday, it isn't looking good for my nephew's team the Commanders.  They are down 15-27.

The hubby has recommended that I catch up on the past 2 seasons of "Reacher" so that I can watch season 3 with him when it airs.  I've 2 episodes in and look forward to watching more.

In the Kitchen:

I haven't spent much time in the kitchen creating this past week but Laken and Nate made Cookie Monster Cookies.  They, of course, were blue :)

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working away in my "off" time on items for the Spring Fling Vendor show happening in the beginning of April.  Last week I completed all 16 Mabel Chickens that I wanted to get made.  4 Gray Loaf Cats.  1 Ivory Loaf Cat.  And 1 Yellow Peep Bunny.  Shown below are the Ivory Loaf Cat and the Yellow Peep Bunny.  

Let me know what you think of the Peep.  Should I make more as it will be a Spring Fling show a few weeks before Easter.  Or should I just make yellow, green and purple Leggy Frogs?

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Winter traveling safety.

~I need to get into a good routine of work, home and self-care.  I've been a bit scattered lately and need to find my self-discipline again.  Pray for me as I work on this.  (continued)

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."

James 4:10

Have a great week!

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 1/23/2025

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

I haven't finished a book in ages.  However, I recently (think:  this week) discovered that I do indeed enjoy listening to audiobooks!  Well, so far, audiobook (singular).  I signed up for Audible for $.99 for 3 months and I intend to put it to good use!

I'm loving it because I can get immersed in a story while still being crafty and working on items for the Spring Fling vendor show I signed up for that is coming the first week of April.

I'm looking forward to being able to share more here very soon!

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What I'm Reading:

I'm really excited to listen to this book!  It is the January selection for the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club over on FB and Instagram.  It is such a great group and we have the best conversations about books through Zoom.  There's still time to join in!  

Blurb:

During the Great Depression, Addie Cowherd dreams of being a novelist and offering readers the escape that books gave her during her tragic childhood. When her adoptive father loses his job, she is forced to leave college and take the only employment she can find--delivering books on horseback to poor coal mining families in the hills of Kentucky.

The small community of Boone's Hollow is suspicious of outsiders and steeped in superstitions that leave Addie feeling rejected and indignant. Although she finds an unexpected friend in an elderly outcast, the other horseback librarians scorn her determination to befriend Nanny Fay.

Emmett Tharp grew up in the tiny mountain hamlet where most men either work in the coal mine or run moonshine. He's the first in the community to earn a college degree, and he has big dreams, but witnesses the Depression robbing many young men of their future.

Then someone sets out to sabotage the library program, going so far as to destroy Addie's novel in progress. Will the saboteur chase Addie and the other librarians away, or will knowledge emerge victorious over prejudice? Is Emmett the local ally that Addie needs--and might their friendship lead to something more?

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

I've had this book on my Kindle for a few months but when I went to actually read the book there was a problem downloading it.  So I downloaded the audiobook.  I can NOT wait to get to listen to it!

Blurb:

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other without any time passing. She has one conscious mind but two very different lives and bodies.

In colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any hope of love--are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an undesirable English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe further complicates matters and forces her to make sacrifices she never imagined.

On her twenty-first birthday, Libby must choose one path and forfeit the other forever--but how can she possibly choose when she has so much to lose in each life?

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Book Haul:

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  What books do you look to for inspiration at the start of the year or to motivate you to make positive changes in your life? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)  

A.   The obvious, main book I look to for inspiration is the Bible.  In the past, I've done the "read-through-the-Bible-in-a-Year".  This typically started at the beginning of the year and is a major goal.

In other reading, I'm usually just looking for a book that I will get captivated by enough to finish and not DNF it.

Every once in a while, I will read a non-fiction self-help/self-care/organizational book but those are few and far between.

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Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

 The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon