Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Thanks to NetGalley, I get to share Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer with you!

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lydia Eldredge longs to provide a sanctuary for her son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky's drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get him.

Dr. Micah Hatcher serves the immigrant population in Queens, but under cover of darkness he provides another service that must not be discovered lest his and his brother's lives be in danger.

When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Through unforeseen twists and turns, they seek a refuge of safety--for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God unexpectedly puts in their lives.

MY THOUGHTS:
I think of Kim as a 'keeper' author – her books don't get swapped or donated - they stay on my shelf, and I always jump at the chance to review her newest offerings. So, I was surprised when I felt hesitation to read Sweet Sanctuary. The blurb just didn't sound like something I have come to expect from Kim.

A drug addict? A mother keeping her son away from his father? Another man that the mother seems she will 'fall in love' with?

I just wasn't sure...

Ah, all is not as it seems!

First of all, I expected a contemporary setting – it's not. The book is set in 1944, near the end of WWII. My husband and I just watched a documentary on the Kindertransport and America's resistance to be involved, so I loved seeing that subject in Sweet Sanctuary.

Kim wrote a great story with some suspense and a wonderful theme of the amazing change that happens when one gets saved!

I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say that Kim continues to be a 'keeper,' and Sweet Sanctuary is actually at the top of my now favorites! I loved it and didn't want it to end! In fact, I know Kim doesn't usually write sequels, but this one is worth continuing!

Take a peek inside the book HERE.

Thank you to Kim and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell

Thanks to Litfuse, I get to share Siri Mitchell's newest book, Unrivaled, with you!

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lucy Kendall returns from a tour of the Continent, her luggage filled with the latest fashions and a mind fired by inspiration. After tasting Europe's best confections, she's sure she'll come up with a recipe that will save her father's struggling candy business and reverse their fortunes. But she soon discovers that their biggest competitor, the cheat who swindled her father out of his prize recipe, has now hired a promotions manager-a cocky, handsome out-of-towner who gets under Lucy's skin.

Charlie Clarke's new role at Standard Manufacturing is the chance of a lifetime. He can put some rough times behind him and reconnect with the father he's never known. The one thing he never counted on, however, was tenacious Lucy Kendall. She's making his work life miserable...and making herself impossible for him to forget.

MY THOUGHTS:
Siri writes Unrivaled in her typical style – the first person, often with alternating main characters. Because of this, Siri's books have either been win or lose for me. So, when I was first offered the opportunity to review Unrivaled, I hesitated because of that style. After I saw that this book has a male and female main character, I knew I could keep the 'I''s straight.

I'm glad I chose to read Unrivaled. I really enjoyed it! I think the plot of rival candy businesses was unique and so very interesting! And who doesn't like to hear about candy?! The secrecy of recipes and
unethical business practices showcased the intriguing underworld of sweets!

Ah, though candy-making (and love!) is serious, Unrivaled was an entertaining book from many points of view! I liked it!

Take a peek into the book HERE!

That's what I thought! Click HERE to see what other reviewers are saying!

Thank you to Siri and through Litfuse for sending me a copy to read and review!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

The Message on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Thanks to NetGalley, I just finished The Message on the Quilt, book 3 in Stephanie's Quilt Chronicles (by the way, I've read book 1, The Key on the Quilt, but haven't had a chance to read book 2, The Shadow on the Quilt, that's sitting on my shelf - and that's ok. The books aren't related - except for quilts and Nebraska - so, note to you: they don't need to be read in order)!

I've read almost all of Stephanie's historical novels, and I can't think of one that I didn't like! She has an easy-to-read style and is gifted at seamlessly weaving spiritual applications through her stories.

The Message on the Quilt tells the story of Emilie and Noah. Emilie is the daughter of a newspaperman, and she has a deep desire to write. And, not new to many storylines like that, Dad and Mom allow her a small, unimportant column, but when Emilie wants more, they don't think it's proper for a lady of her social standing and the expected confrontation arises.

Noah arrives in town to speak at a conference type thing (with another agenda to find more out about his parents) and meets Emilie under unusual circumstances.

Usually, characters fall in love despite their known differences and then struggle to overcome them. I loved that Noah and Emilie's twist didn't occur until after they were 'in love,' causing another whole set of problems. Their 'twist' was also unusual in its seriousness and social prejudice, and I was very surprised at Mr. Rhodes' eventual response.

Stephanie is great at tying several stories into one, and her characters are always so believable and memorable, even down to 'Phil' the horse! The Spring sisters - oh my! It took me awhile to notice their names: April, May, June! ;-) Fun friends, loyal family! And, Madame Jumeaux's story is also good - I think her and her brother's past and future could be a book! I loved Ladora - she's the discerning older woman who always has just the right words of wisdom to give to those around her.

The Message on the Quilt was a great story! If you haven't read anything by Stephanie yet, here's a great place to start!

Thank you to Stephanie and Barbour through NetGalley for sending me an e-copy to read and review!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

I Pinned, I Made: Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies

Another Pinterest recipe that I couldn't resist trying. And now that I have, I must be the first to tell you that you should try it, too!

You can find the recipe here on Sally's Baking Addiction.

They were soft and chewy and chocolatey and peanut-buttery.

Super yum!

*To cut down on messy hands, I used my cookie scoop to scoop equal amounts of dough next to each other, then did Sally's 'smoosh-and-roll' to get one cookie ball (see below pic). I did chill the dough (which is something I hate doing), and didn't have much trouble with stickiness...so I recommend it!*

You'll definitely need a glass of cold milk with these fabulous Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Cookies! I hope you give them a try! (You can thank me later)! ;-)

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Looking for more peanut butter and chocolate?? I'd recommend this Black Magic Chocolate Cake topped with this Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting!



**DISCLOSURE: Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**