I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel

For so many people, reading isn’t just a hobby or a way to pass the time–it’s a lifestyle. Our books shape us, define us, enchant us, and even sometimes infuriate us. Our books are a part of who we are as people, and we can’t imagine life without them.

I’d Rather Be Reading is the perfect literary companion for everyone who feels that way. In this collection of charming and relatable reflections on the reading life, beloved blogger and author Anne Bogel leads readers to remember the book that first hooked them, the place where they first fell in love with reading, and all of the moments afterward that helped make them the reader they are today. Known as a reading tastemaker through her popular podcast What Should I Read Next?, Bogel invites book lovers into a community of like-minded people to discover new ways to approach literature, learn fascinating new things about books and publishing, and reflect on the role reading plays in their lives.

The perfect gift for the bibliophile in everyone’s life, I’d Rather Be Reading will command an honored place on the overstuffed bookshelves of any book lover.

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Five Fall Favorites: Historical Fiction

Right now, the wonderful Rebekah Morris is hosting Five Fall Favorites over at her blog, Read Another Page. I recommend you check it out because there are freebies, a huge giveaway, and lots of book recommendations. Can’t say I really need more books on my to-be-read pile, which is kind of glaring at me right now and becoming a mountain, but I really can’t help it!

I decided to share my Historical Fiction favorites that I have enjoyed discovering this year, and you may have seen my reviews for them over the course of the year. 😉

1. Shadows Over England by Roseanna M. White

I’ve read the first two books in the series so far (but I do have access to the third one in ebook form from my library), and they have been absolute gems! The characters are extremely lovable, and it’s set in the 1900s. Pretty much a little before WWI. I’m sorry, but who can resist reading something based in that timeline? This was the very first series I’ve read by Roseanna, and I have decided she is one of my top favorite authors of all time.

Goodreads – A Name Unknown review – A Song Unheard review

 

2. Beyond the Horizon by Jesseca Wheaton

I got the chance to review this novella earlier this year, and I just loved this. It’s a Cinderella retelling set in WWII. That is pretty much all it had to be for me to want to read it! You know what? Anything by Jesseca Wheaton is good, especially her Questions of War series.

Goodreads – My Review

 

3. A Daughter’s Inheritance by Tracie Peterson and Judith McCoy Miller

I started reading this when I was at my Grandparents house, the night I returned from summer camp to stay over at their house for a few days. I got to be honest, it really drew me in and I read it almost in a days worth before having to travel back home. Although I liked this, I’m not sure this would be the thing for everyone. Maybe a little slow and a bit flat at times, but the story just really makes up for it, at least to me. I’m looking forward to reading the next books that I borrowed from my Grandmother!

Goodreads – My Review

 

4. When Beauty Blooms by Victoria Lynn

This was the bomb. It’s about a woman who suffers with social anxiety, and Victoria handled it well! I think this a wonderful read that everyone would like because the character is so realistic, and the ending is so satisfying! So hard not to spoil!

Goodreads – My Review

 

5. The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin

This was my first time reading anything by Sarah Sundin, which I’m surprised about because I had heard so many good things about the author’s books, and it did not disappoint! This one is also set in WWII (uh, a trend here… anyone? 😉 ) and I really did enjoy it. It’s a romance that was written well, and completely draws you in, which makes you lose track of time. Once you are finished, you realize it’s somehow been the whole day. Yep, my special-and-very-rare experience.

Goodreads – My Review

 

Don’t forget to check out Read Another Page for the huge giveaway and book recommendations! What books have you loved this year?

(This post contains affiliate links.)

River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart

Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She’s determined to find a way to buy Louis’s freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she’ll face an uphill battle.

Based partly on a true story, Ann H. Gabhart’s latest historical novel is a tour de force. The vividly rendered town of Springfield and its citizens immerse readers in a story of courage, betrayal, and honor that will stick with them long after they turn the last page.

Sing the Wondrous Story (Orphans of the West Novellas, #2) by Faith Blum

I was supposed to post this yesterday, but it completely escaped my mind because I’ve been distracted with my new baby sibling and have been off the internet most of the time. That is still no excuse, however, and I apologize to the author and organizer of the blog tour. ❤

Can he let go of the past?

Jason was kicked out three years ago. His judgmental actions and decisions caused a rift and turmoil within his family, especially concerning his sister, Jessamine. Now God is leading him to return home—a home he isn’t certain he will be welcomed back to. The last three years has led to personal growth, he still has a lot to learn. Can he overcome his past mistakes or will he always be the black sheep?

Jessamine has popularity and the attention of many in town except the two men she wants to catch for herself. She lives for those moments of attention and needs to marry a rich man to buy all the pretty things she desires. There are two men who fit that and she will stop at nothing to find a husband to make her life perfect. When Jason returns and challenges her actions, will she be able to let go of her plan? Can she find love in more than herself?

Goldfish Secrets (The Lady in the Vineyard, #0.8) by Kellyn Roth

Judy only has one friend: her goldfish, Marlie.

With Marlie gone, who can Judy rely on?

Goldfish Secrets is the short story prequel to The Lady of the Vineyard.

Updates

If you follow the blog, you probably noticed it was inactive for about a month. I’m really sorry about that. I meant to post book reviews every Tuesday and Friday, but I had some personal issues that came up in real life that distracted me for a while.

On the bright side, Purely by Faith Reviews finally has an Instagram account. I plan to follow authors as well as post with summaries of my reviews and once in a while may spread the word about a giveaway. You can check it out here.

I will do the best I can to leave book reviews twice a week again, but I’m about to have a change in my life (new sibling soon!) and will possibly be a little less active.

Thank you so much for following Purely by Faith Reviews! 🙂

A Daughter’s Inheritance (The Broadmoor Legacy, #1) by Tracie Peterson and Judith McCoy Miller

Cousins Amanda, Sophie, and Fanny Broadmoor are as close as sisters, but when their grandfather dies, the terms of his will just might destroy their bond. Seventeen-year-old Fanny has never put much stock in the conventions of society. In fact, she has given her heart to Michael, the family boat-keeper. But when she receives a surprising inheritance, she discovers just how oppressive society can be . . . and that she may be trusting the wrong people.

Dare she follow her heart and risk going against her family? What if she loses everything she’s ever known? It all comes down to one choice: What does Fanny Broadmoor want her legacy to be?

When Beauty Blooms by Victoria Lynn *Blog Tour

Hello, fellow bookworms! Today is a wonderful Thursday, and it’s a wonderful day for a blog tour! We have many wonderful things to check out, such as the review, the interview with the author, and the awesome giveaway! Let’s get started!

And yes, the theme of today appears to be wonderful. 😛

Revolutionary War Era England

Marjorie Kirk is a woman with no fortune, no prospects, no family, and no skills. Or so she thinks. She is awkward, shy, and the farthest thing from any semblance of a society lady.

The new minister keeps turning up in the most awkward of places and she can’t help but feel that her life is doomed to one of embarrassment. But will her flaws actually be the thing that others find the most attractive?

A story of a young woman with social anxiety and how she learned to bloom.

The Lost Princess (The Fairy Tale Chronicles, #1) by Loretta Marchize *Blog Tour

Hey everyone! I’m participating in a blog tour for A Princess at Heart, but I’m only posting a review for the first book in her series. Which is the one below. Let’s get into the book review!

Cilla Starling has lived in the Kappaka palace as long as she can remember. Prince Ethan Villn and his family are in the prisons of the palace, and Queen Villn rules over her fearful subjects. When Lord Rush confronts Queen Villn- resulting in Cilla, Ethan, and Ethan’s family’s freedom -they decide to fight back. So begins a journey, to and from the White Kingdom, a gathering of allies, and a battle against a distraught Queen.
The four royal siblings who live next door in the White Kingdom are more than ready to help, as Queen Villn has caused quite a stir in their kingdom. In fact, one of them holds a secret to the location of the lost Villn princess, Ethan’s beloved younger sister, and perhaps the only person with any hope of talking to Queen Villn. If, that is, she’s brave enough to leave the safety of the White Kingdom.

The Lost Princess is a twist on the regular fairy tales, including the princesses Rapunzel, Snow White, Ariel, Melody (Ariel’s daughter), Cinderella, and Belle.

The Girls’ Guide to Conquering Life: How to Ace an Interview, Change a Tire, Talk to a Guy, and 97 Other Skills You Need to Thrive by Erica and Jonathan Catherman

There’s a lot a girl needs to know as she grows up and makes her way in the world. Having a reference guide of practical how-to life skills and character traits can empower her to become a confident and capable woman. Coauthors Erica and Jonathan Catherman offer this collection of step-by-step instructions on 100 things girls need to succeed, including how to

– introduce yourself
– change a flat tire
– respectfully break up with a guy
– leave a tip
– apply for a job
– ask for a promotion
– behave during a police stop
– create a personal budget
– calculate square footage
– wash your face
– clear a clogged drain
– iron a shirt
– wear a scarf
– shoot a basketball
– sharpen kitchen knives
– and much more

In fact, if it’s in here, it’s an important skill or character trait practiced by capable and confident women. With great illustrations and sidebars of advice from world-class experts, this all-in-one reference tool for young women in the making is the perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, or any occasion.