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Showing posts from April, 2026

Where We Belong by Kim Vogel Sawyer

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  Kroosreadsandreviews: What a powerful story of faith, love, hope and family!! I could see in the beginning where the story might be headed but it didn't take away my joy in the journey.   I absolutely adore Hester and Scotty and their relationship.  The relationship may have been unconventional but they cared so much for each other and those in their path. Callum was trying so hard to be a good dad and manage all of the expectations on him.  His wisdom and grace throughout was touching.   I saved the best part for last!   THE KIDS!  Gosh they were so much fun to watch and see their story unfold.  Despite the hard times they experienced, they were of such joy and excitement. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own. What it's about: The life of Hester Haak, a widow with no children of her own, takes an unexpected turn when she opens her Kansas home to children from the bustling streets of New York ...

How to Stop Yelling up the Stairs by Janel Breitenstein

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  Kroosreadsandreviews: I do not read non fiction books but this title caught my attention and I'm so glad I read it. Each chapter is filled with personal stories from the author on how anger impacts her family. She consistently added in Scripture to support her ideas throughout the book. I loved how there was humor and a healthy mix of sharing her own foibles in parenting. One of my favorite parts was at the end of each chapter when the author included a cooling prayer. The reader will love the mix of personal stories, Scripture and sound advice that is woven throughout the book. I was given a complimentary arc of the book. The opinions are my own. What it's about: Lead with love when your last nerve is shot. You want: a peaceful home where you model self-control. You have: regrettable reactions when the kids baptize the cat. Your children, whom you dearly love and usually like, are bickering upstairs, baiting each other across the invisible line on the back seat, or causing t...

Targeted in the Swamp by Kerry Johnson

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  Kroosreadsandreviews: This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and away from the swamp for a long time!! Heath and Laurel seem content to be alone until they meet in the swamp.  From there, the trouble begins and keeps going. The addition of Piper in the story was delightful.   Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.   The opinions are my own. What it's about: Laurel Bell’s first day as a wildlife photography ranger takes a treacherous turn when she is nearly drowned by a masked assassin. Her witness protection cover has been blown, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before her attacker returns to finish the job. Her only chance at survival is police sergeant Heath Calhoun, who will do anything to deliver Laurel to her marshal handler. But when Heath’s young daughter is taken hostage, the stakes are raised, and now they must race to outsmart the powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to exact their revenge…

The Lumber Baron's Wife by Lynn Austin

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  Kroosreadsandreviews: What a fascinating story! I loved that the story was told from three different points of view and in the past and present day.    The reader will cheer with the highs of the story and scream in frustration at the lows in the story. I loved how each of the three women had extremely difficult circumstances that they tried to rise above.  I also enjoyed how Hannah and Kate had each other and Freida and Ashley had each other for support.   The struggles that each of the main characters had with their faith amidst the trials was intriguing to me as well.   Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own. What it's about: 1873.  After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy—a friend of her husband, John—offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town, where John’s ski...

More than Friends by Denise Hunter

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  Kroosreadsandreviews: A sweet story set on the East Coast!  I loved the highlighting of the wild horses, especially Dream. The characters Tyson and Jenna were so affable.  Their childhood friendship that continued on into adulthood was so precious.  It was enjoyable to watch to see if they could be more than friends. It was encouraging to see both of the main characters to be surrounded by family and friends that supported them.   Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own. What it's about: Jenna Greene just ended things with her boyfriend . . . which also ended her career. (That's the risk a girl takes when her boyfriend doubles as her boss.) With no income and no job prospects in sight, Jenna is forced to return to her mother's house on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, to figure out what's next. And the timing couldn't be more perfect. Jenna's widowed mother has just returned from a cruise--with a brand-new boyfriend ...

Witness Protection by Robert Whitlow

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  Kroosreadsandreviews: If you love legal suspense, this will be the book for you!   I really enjoyed that each of the main characters were deeply involved with their families. It was so interesting to get a behind the scenes look at the witness protection plan through the eyes of Jon. It was intriguing as well to think about the influence that the police, FBI, lawyers, etc. have on those who have been arrested.   My favorite character was Carly.  I thoroughly enjoyed how, despite her pain. she was constantly interceding for those around her!   Her prayer life was one that I aspire for.   Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own. What it's about: All is finally good. Jon Tremaine has created a new life in Brunswick, Georgia, as part of the Federal Witness Protection program after testifying against the former drug cartel he was involved with. Only his wife, Sarah, and a handler with the US Marshal'...

Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

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  Kroosreadsandreviews: The premise of the book was so interesting to me as the characters are in the midst of a hostage situation.  Each of the characters come with their own story as to why they came to the post office.   There were a lot of characters to keep straight, which took away some of my enjoyment of the book.   Sylvie and Hope were my favorite characters.  Sylvie was able to keep everyone calm and had such wisdom and insight.  Hope colored outside of the lines in the negotiations and that was pretty cool.   The story didn't capture my interest like I thought it would.  I also didn't expect as much swearing as there was in the story.   Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own. What it's about: On a quiet spring afternoon, an ordinary small-town post office becomes ground zero for a domestic dispute. A husband draws a weapon and seals the doors, holding four women captive: ...