Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

My Rating: 4.9

This heartwarming story has beckoned generations of readers into the special world of Green Gables, an old-fashioned farm outside a town called Avonlea. Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan, has arrived in this verdant corner of Prince Edward Island only to discover that the Cuthberts—elderly Matthew and his stern sister, Marilla—want to adopt a boy, not a feisty redheaded girl. But before they can send her back, Anne—who simply must have more scope for her imagination and a real home—wins them over completely. A much-loved classic that explores all the vulnerability, expectations, and dreams of a child growing up, Anne of Green Gables is also a wonderful portrait of a time, a place, a family… and, most of all, love.

A lot of these characters went from being irritating to very endearing. By the end, I loved Marilla almost as much as Matthew and I was definitely in love with Anne. I can see why this is a classic and one that I think every girl/woman should read.

The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer

My Rating: 4.8

1930's Berlin: Although Sofie and her husband Jürgen do not agree with Hitler's views, they benefit which they struggle with.  

1950's America: Twenty years later, Jürgen is one of the many German scientists offered pardons for their part in the war, and taken to America to work for its fledgling space program.

This book had so much to it. I loved the Berlin story line and I enjoyed learning about how America offered pardons to Germans where we could benefit from their knowledge. It shows that no one is blameless and you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. I felt that Lizzie's story could have been condensed and Lizzie's brother should have been edited out completely and kept the focus more on Sofie and Jürgen. This is my second book by Rimmer and it won't be my last.

Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese

My Rating: 4.8

Isobel is a young seamstress who sets sail from Scotland in the early 1800s with her husband, Edward. Edward is an apothecary who has fallen under the spell of opium, his pile of debts have forced them to flee Edinburgh for a fresh start in the New World. But only days after they've arrived in Salem, Edward abruptly joins a departing ship as a medic––leaving Isobel penniless and alone in a strange country, forced to make her way by any means possible.

This book unfolded in a beautiful way - between Isobel's gorgeous needlework, her ability to see in colors, and her relationships with the other townsfolk. It was only once I was quite far in to this book that I realized with it's flashbacks to the Salem witch trials and Nathaniel Hawthorne that I realized it was a retelling of The Scarlett Letter which I haven't read...yet. It is now on my TBR list. 

Foster by Claire Keegan

 My Rating: 4.8

It is a hot summer in rural Ireland. A child is taken by her father to live with relatives on a farm, not knowing when or if she will be brought home again. In the Kinsellas’ house, she finds an affection and warmth she has not known and slowly, in their care, begins to blossom. But there is something unspoken in this new household—where everything is so well tended to—and this summer must soon come to an end.

This is a quiet little book that captures so much. I can see why this was a winner of the Davy Byrnes Award. I have another book by Keegan on my kindle that I will prioritize as she has such beautiful writing.

Faith Still Moves Mountains by Harris Faulkner

 My Rating:  3.3

These are stories to remind us that God’s light always shines through the darkness. Through these testimonies, we learn prayer isn’t just a ritual, it’s a vital spiritual strategy in a world that wants us to give up the fight. 

This was a pick for my Christian Women's Book Club. This was various "inspirational" stories. Several of these were so depressing it was hard to find the motivation in them. Others were uplifting but, not really miracles and they also rambled on. I listened to the audio book and double timed most of the stories to get through them. I was surprised at the high ratings on Amazon and Goodreads as that didn't match my experience with this book.

Red Notice by Bill Browder

 My Rating: 4.8

This is a story about an accidental activist. Bill Browder started out his adult life as the Wall Street maverick whose instincts led him to Russia just after the breakup of the Soviet Union, where he made his fortune. Along the way he exposed corruption, and when he did, he barely escaped with his life.

A book about a financial investor in Russia doesn't sound very interesting. This book came highly recommended from a trusted girlfriend and I am so glad I listened to her. We listened to this book on audio and we both enjoyed it. The corruption in Russia boggles the mind and how Bill Browder was able to do what he did is astounding. An incredible story. Highly recommend on audio.

Fasting & Feasting by Erin Davis

 My Rating: 4.9

In this 40-day devotional filled with heartfelt reflections on key passages of Scripture (and a few inspirational stories thrown in for good measure!), you’ll learn just how satisfying it is to join in the biblical rhythms of fasting and feasting.

When this book was selected for my women's book club, I admit it....I was nervous. The mere idea of fasting made me uncomfortable .... and hungry. Erin's book was so easy to read, non-judgmental and has some great stories. As I read further, it made me understand fasting, the need for it and the power and it made me want to explore it. I can truly say that this is a book that has changed my life as, I now incorporate Spiritual Fasting into my life on a regular basis and enjoy it so much. Thank you Erin!