"The Trail," by Ethan Gallogly

 "The Trail," by Ethan Gallogly

Set authentically in the High Sierra, The Trail is a moving story of how nature helps us find what’s missing in our lives.

The Trail is fused with humor, philosophy, and trail lore. Woven in is a back story detailing the origins of the John Muir Trail: a 211-mile trail spanning the rooftop of the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States.

The tale begins with Gil, who in the wake of his father’s death and recently fired from his job, agrees to accompany his father’s old hiking partner Syd on a month-long trek on the John Muir Trail. There’s just one problem: Gil hates camping and is woefully unprepared for the rigors of the journey. Moreover, he soon learns Syd may not survive the hike.

Former Sierra Club leader Ethan Gallogly takes you on a wild tour across the Range of Light, describing its glorious scenery in vivid detail while introducing you to a diverse cast of characters drawn from his own personal experiences as a hiker.

It’s a beautifully crafted book, with 43 maps and sketches by acclaimed mountain illustrator Jeremy Ashcroft, showing the topography of each section in clear three-dimensional renderings and peppered with drawings of the trail’s iconic scenery, like the Muir Hut, the Rock Monster, and Evolution Lake.

Whether you’re a hiker, armchair explorer, or someone trying to find what’s really meaningful in life—this book is for you.

If I could have my life over again, I would love to hike the numerous trails around the world.  However, as I love my home comforts, I prefer to be a "armchair explorer."  As I know nothing about the Sierra's this seemed a perfect opportunity to do a bit of that armchair exploring.

This book is beautifully illustrated and Ethan goes into great detail about each part of the trail, day by day.  You can almost imagine yourself walking along with them. The funny thing about this book, is I actually thought it was a true story; that Syd was an actual person.  It is in fact a mish-mash of people and events that have been spun into a story.  It worked perfectly well and was a really good read.

Stars out of 5 : 4  I did find myself skimming over some of Syd's historical stories and I have no idea about Asian philosophy, but overall it was a truly enjoyable read.

I purchased this book.

"The Secrets Beneath," by Kimberley Woodhouse

 "The Secrets Beneath," by Kimberley Woodhouse

Some secrets can only stay buried for so long. . . .

Anna Lakeman has spent her life working alongside her paleontologist father, drawing intricate sketches at every dig. When they find dinosaur bones near their home in Wyoming Territory, they're given the opportunity of a lifetime and are swiftly caught up in the competitive era of the Bone Wars. But after her father becomes sick and Joshua Ziegler, an old beau, returns for the summer, Anna's world is upended, and the practical, orderly life she has made for herself shatters.

Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget Anna, the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt. But when he returns, time hasn't erased the feelings they've always had for each other. After Joshua's nephew goes missing--just like his sister did years ago--and Anna's job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unearthed.

I am a big fan of Kimberley's books, so of course wanted to read this one.  The subject matter, Paleontology is something I am not familiar with.  This book moved along at a good pace.  It took me a while though to figure out the twist in the story; I was probably half way through before I had the "aha" moment!

I will say after reading the prologue, then starting the main part of the book, I was confused with the two main male characters in the book.  It didn't help that both their names started with the letter "J."

It was interesting to see the men's attitudes towards women when they tried to achieve success in a "man's" world.  I too would have been frustrated like Anna, if I had men telling me I couldn't do something because I was a woman.

Stars out of 5 : 4 Even after reading this book, I am afraid I still have no desire to learn more about Paleontology!  

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"The Legacy of Longdale Manor," by Carrie Turansky

 "The Legacy of Longdale Manor," by Carrie Turansky

Two women--a century apart--embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance.

In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she meets David Bradford--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a luxury hotel. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she's left searching for answers.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

This book is set in the Lake District where I lived as a child, so I was very happy to review this book.  Overall this book is a must read.  I enjoyed all the characters, and even enjoyed the going back and forward between the past and the present.  All the religious quotes/passages I felt where inserted in the book in an appropriate manner and were explained well.  It got to a point with both Gwen and Charlotte I had to know what happened next.  Where each chapter left off, it left you wanting more.

The downside of this book though is I was left wanting more.  The story of Charlotte Harper and her family is a book in itself I feel.  There is a lot more I want to know about them.  The same with Gwen, there is a lot more I wanted to know, especially about her grandfather.  

Stars out of 5 : 4 So although I will say please read this book you will enjoy it, it was missing something for me.  There is a lot more to be told about both families.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"You Make It Feel Like Christmas," by Toni Shiloh

"You Make It Feel Like Christmas," by Toni Shiloh

It's the most wonderful time of the year--for everyone except Starr Lewis.

As if going home for the holidays jobless and single wasn't bad enough, she's dragged into a holiday season full of activities leading up to her sister's uber-romantic Christmas Eve wedding--to Starr's ex-boyfriend. But when her brother's best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, she starts to wonder if maybe coming home for Christmas isn't so bad after all.

As Starr finds the perfect distraction in helping Waylon make over his late mother's Christmas shop, the most wonderful time of the year works its magic and the spark between them grows. But with the holidays fast approaching, Starr must decide what she wants out of life after the gifts are unwrapped and the ornaments are put away--to go back to New York City or to open her heart to a love that will last beyond Christmas Day?

Another Christmas book to put you in the mood for the festive season.  This book has a little bit of everything when it comes to dealing with families, especially around the holiday seasons.  We all want a picture perfect, Hallmark," Christmas and this book shows you while it may not be perfect, there are moments where it will turn out as close to perfect.

Sibling's are the main thing in this book and anyone with siblings will know relationships with them can be complicated.  The whole Starr and Angel relationship is rife with issues, and you never know how it will end.  Starr and Waylon's friendship, has you cheering along all the way through the book.

Again I read and reviewed this book at the end of September when the weather was gorgeous and hot.  This book, is a read in December book to help you get into the holiday spirit.  

Stars out of 5 : 5 I feel there could be a number of follow up books about each of Starr's siblings, there are a lot more stories to be told about the Lewis family!  Well worth reading this book, not overly complicated and a fast read.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"All's Fair in Love and Christmas," by Sarah Monzon

 "All's Fair in Love and Christmas," by Sarah Monzon

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the promotion isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

If you want to be put into the Christmas mood, then this is a book for you.  It reminds you of Christmas traditions, you have probably forgot about.  It reminds you about how everyone can celebrate Christmas differently.

It also explores, social anxiety and Alzheimer's, which are both serious subjects, but do add to the depth of the book.  Add in a twist at the end, that I didn't know was coming, and this book has something for everyone.

The only odd thing, was I was reading and reviewing this book at the end of September, when the weather was really warm and Fall like, not Christmas like at all.  This book would be a perfect read at the beginning of December.

It's not a long book and doesn't require a lot of concentration to keep up with the plot, a perfect book to read on a Sunday afternoon through to the evening.

Stars out of 5 : 5 nothing negative to say about this book, a perfect book to put you in the Christmas mood.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"The Hiding Place," by Corrie Ten Bloom

"The Hiding Place," by Corrie Ten Bloom 

"Every experience God gives us . . . is the perfect preparation for the future only He can see."—Corrie ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker who became a heroine of the Resistance, a survivor of Hitler's concentration camps, and one of the most remarkable evangelists of the twentieth century. In World War II she and her family risked their lives to help Jews and underground workers escape from the Nazis, and for their work they were tested in the infamous Nazi death camps. Only Corrie among her family survived to tell the story of how faith ultimately triumphs over evil.

Here is the riveting account of how Corrie and her family were able to save many of God's chosen people. For 35 years millions have seen that there is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still. Now The Hiding Place, repackaged for a new generation of readers, continues to declare that God's love will overcome, heal, and restore.

What a remarkable true story this is.  I had never heard of this family before and what they did to help the Jewish people during the second world war.  Each page was a riveting as the next.  The whole book made you think of what would you have done in the same situation?

The constant stress they went through; not knowing when the Gestapo was going to knock on your door.  Is that what made them stronger in their conviction to save as many people's lives, along with their deep faith, I think it did.  Corrie's sister Betsie's whole outlook on life and the people around her; both good and bad, was truly inspirational and that alone saved hundred's of people and gave them hope in a very dismal time.

Betsie found a blessing in the fleas that were in the bunks at Ravensbruck, you'll have to read the book to see why!  All in all a book that is so well worth reading.

Stars out of 5 : 5 I was on the fence about reading this, but I am so glad I did.  It's truly a one of a kind book that everyone should read.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"With Every Memory," by Janine Rosche

"With Every Memory," by Janine Rosche

Is the life she can't remember one she'd rather forget?

One year after her family was in a tragic car accident that killed her teenage son, Lori Mendenhall returns home with a traumatic brain injury that has stolen the last eight years of memories from her, leaving the life she has returned to unrecognizable. Her once-loving husband, Michael, is a distant workaholic she isn't sure she can trust, and her once-bubbly daughter, Avery, has spent the last year hidden away in her room.

If Lori wants to reconnect with her family, she'll have to uncover the information her brain is trying to keep secret. As her memories return and past secrets resurface, it will take the whole family to repair what's been broken and find a new future together.

This book is a page turner that's for sure.  I love how each chapter goes back and forward between Lori, and her daughter Avery.  The family dynamics are spot on, and how one accident can affect each person in the family is well thought out.

Throughout the book, you think that you know what the next part of the story will be, but then another twist happens in the story.  It was quite interesting to see how the brain heals itself after a traumatic brain injury; and how Lori's memory came back to her in bits and pieces.

The relationship between Xander and Avery was really sweet and well thought out.  This was an easy book to keep up with and not overly complicated.  The story moved at a fast pace, so kept the reader interested.

Stars out of 5 : 5 A real winner for me.  Well worth reading; it's the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading many more of her books in the future.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".