WHAT'S NEXT By Daniel Ryan Day

So this is a diversion for me, a book that is not a romance (as my blog is normally for Christian or Clean Romances) but a great read and one that all of us can find thought provoking.

Thanks to Discovery House for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own honest thoughts. What caught my eye was the blurb that came with the netgalley email recommending this book. Actually, it was the first sentence: "Stuck in a dead-end job and not sure what to do next?" It caught my eye because my son and I had been discussing this very problem he was struggling with, so, of course, Mom had to read this book and get him a copy.

We all know that, in the end, there won't be a perfect answer to our struggle to answer the above question but the fun and informational thing is digging for the truth.

Now, if you aren't a christian or at least consider yourself a person of faith, then you won't care what Mr. Day has to say; but if you care to know what God might have to reveal to you on the matter then this book is chock full of encouragement and insightful advice--more importantly, backing it up with scripture.

Mr. Day uses his own personal experiences and those of people he knows as well as brings biblical characters to life with apt descriptions of how their stories might impact our own situations while using humor and down to earth conversational tones. The chapters are short with "pull out" quotes for emphasis. You'll find yourself turning pages and wanting to continue with the next chapter because it's like Mr. Day is right there with you chatting about what is so deeply personal and important in your life, the next step. Even more important, you find yourself ready to delve into God's Word and wanting to hear from Him.

I recommend this book for your keeper shelf and to share with others.

A SILKEN THREAD By Kim Vogel Sawyer

I loved this story very much and the style as told from each character's point of view worked very well and kept the story moving right along as if it wasn't a page turner already.

A Silken Thread's setting is about 30 years following the Civil War in Atlanta, Georgia and the author deals with the racism that existed and was aggravated by the emotions evoked from the War. Seeing experiences and feelings through the eyes of Quincey, Willie's friend who is black lent a unique perspective to the story.

Willie and Langston were contrasts in class and character. Laurel began as an immature young lady who deeply cared for her mother and was loyal to family even if her initial goals for husband material were a little misguided.

The Cotton Exposition being held in Atlanta becomes the catalyst for bringing all the characters together. Each has their own desires to achieve. Willie has his ailing Father to support, Laurel, has been dictated by her siblings the responsibility of seeing to her Mother, Langston needs a wife in order to honor the dictates of his parents, Quincey needs money to help his family and more than that, wants respect as a human being and a man.

Against this backdrop, A Silken Thread holds the key if you can find it. I give this 5 stars and my highest recommendation which is to place it on your keeper shelf. Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

THE WARRIOR MAIDEN By Melanie Dickerson

The Warrior Maiden is one of many Young Adult novels by Melanie Dickerson and is a great quality romance for any age group but especially for her target audience of which I'm not one.

I enjoyed the story of Mulan and Wolfgang very much. It is loosely based on a fairytale story. Her Characters, descriptions of battle, and scenery are enthralling. I found myself laughing at the twists Mulan finds herself in when she is pretending to be male.

A very enjoyable read I give 4 stars and recommend for all ages. Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for allowing me read this ebook through Netgalley. This review is my expressed honest opinion.

SWEET ON YOU By Becky Wade

Final in a series about the Bradford Sisters, Sweet on You, is a sweet summer read. Becky Wade always draws you in and makes you invest in her characters. I give this 4 stars and recommend it for your summer reading stack.

Youngest sister, Britt is in love but mostly with chocolate and cooking; however, she has a best friend Zander with whom she has a vested interest since they were 14. Zander left for a European Book Tour touting his first novel because his feelings for Britt had evolved to the point he couldn't handle just friends anymore. Now his uncle has died supposedly from a heart attack and he is back.

Zander and Britt have a close relationship, able to finish each others sentences, understanding each other's quirks. They value their friendship so much that they want to protect it at all cost; but, for Zander, the cost could be too much.

They find themselves in the middle of a mystery surrounding the death of Zander's uncle; and even stranger, the fact that he might have been leading a double life. Things escalate to a point of danger and to a point of no turning back in their relationship.

It's worth your time to read but I felt it a little anti-climatic at the end or maybe a lack of closure on so much angst and mystery which is unusual for this author--but that is just my impression--and it did have a HEA ending. It may not seem so to others. I still consider her a favorite author and highly recommend her to you.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. This review is my expressed honest opinion.