Recommended Reads. Booksneeze Part 3.

{Via}

Yes, its another review. This girl has been reading a lot of books in the evenings as it is now officially summer. Woohoo.

At first glance this novel caught my eye, yes yet another judging a book by its cover moment for this girl. I am a romantic at heart and a sucker for fairytales, so even though I had originally planned on reviewing a different book, I couldn't help asking for this one instead. I love the mush, happy endings and ‘aww’ moments found in fairytales, must be the girly girl in me.

So this book (Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck) looked perfect.

This is the story of a typical 20-something girl called Susanna, who finds life completely turned upside down when her boyfriend of 12 years breaks up with her instead of proposing. Enter a chance encounter with a tall dark handsome stranger who fast becomes a good friend to her. All the while she is unaware he is a prince in line to a European throne. 

While being a cute story which didn't disappoint on its 'aww' moments, I couldn't help feeling like it was a retelling of one of my favorite movies, The Prince and Me. 

So while I enjoyed it, I can't say it is a new favorite.

I feel like I never really connected with any of the characters on a deep level or understood a lot of the political story going on between the two fictitious countries soon to be ruled by the Prince.

I would have loved to have seen more depth in the faith of the main characters  There were times when I felt scripture or a short prayer had been added almost as an afterthought. 

All that to say, I would recommend it as a fun, clean, light romantic read. It is a cute fictitious story inspired by England's royal family.

What have you guys been reading lately?

I need some recommendations :)

Much Love,

L

A Book Launch: //Love's Memory by Shannon O'Donnell//

{via}

Today, I have something different for you. Sweet Shannon approached me a while back about helping her launch her new book. Of course since I am in love with most christian fiction books, I quickly agreed. I was then privileged to read it before it was launched today!!!
Check out Love's Memory by Shannon O'Donnell.

I really enjoyed reading about this family and would love to read more as Shannon continues her series. Particularly seeing the stories behind several other characters, her daughter, sister and even the other ladies she meets in her journey. I really related to the characters in the story, loving how it slowly unwrapped what was truly going on.
It was an inspiring story and I particularly loved the discussion questions included at the back of the novel to unpack some of the thoughts it provokes. I would highly recommend this wonderful piece of fiction as it is uplifting and fun to read!
You seriously won't want to put it down! 

So battle those winter blues by picking up a good book! ;) 
Anyway.....on to words from the author herself.....

Much Love,

L

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Love’s Memory Review By Shannon O’Donnell

Love’s Memory, The Scott’s of Mountain Ridge Book One, is a story about destinies. The truth is we all have a destiny to fulfill in our life. A destiny designed by God. Our first step into that destiny is realizing we cannot live a happy, prosperous life apart from Him. Like Manny, Valerie and Wren, we are lost, wandering sheep until we are found in Him.

The catch phrase of Love’s Memory is: "It is only when you lose yourself that you find out who you are." This is so true for all of us. When we reach rock bottom, it is often the best thing that can happen to us. It forces us to reach up to something higher than us: God. God then reaches down and grabs us, pulling us to Himself. 

Valerie Mahoney, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, comes to that realization later in her life when she is forced to confront her deepest fears: losing the man she loves and confronting a sister who despises her. Manny, her husband, who married Valerie against his parents' wishes, experiences his valley when he loses the family farm and begins questioning his youthful decisions, including his love for his wife. Heartbroken at this revelation, Valerie flees one night, but a disastrous accident leaves her with amnesia. Distraught, Manny begins the desperate quest to find a wife who doesn't recognize him and return her home.

As with Manny and Valerie, life doesn’t always turn out the way we envision in our youth. Dreams don’t pan out, hearts get broken, disasters strike. But none of this catches God off-guard. In Loves Memory a praying-warrior is strategically placed in their path. 

See, the most important thing to God is bringing His children home to Him.  God was the missing piece in their lives. When Manny and Valerie finally surrender to Him, life suddenly takes many unexpected turns.  If you haven’t met Jesus Christ yet, He is the missing piece in your life. Without Him we can never fulfill our destiny and we all have one. Until He becomes the center of our existence, we are wandering sheep in need of a Shepherd. We may be moving forward, but not necessarily in the right direction. Only God can lead us to the perfect green pastures of our destiny.

Thanks for reading  Love’s Memory-The Scotts of Mountain Ridge Book One,  and no matter where you find yourself in life or what you’ve come out of,  you have a destiny to fulfill. 

You are important!

Shannon O’Donnell

To purchase a copy of  Love’s Memory go to www.shannonhopeodonnell.com

P.S. There's a book launch party over on her blog today with free prizes!!