Top Reads for November 2020

As an avid reader I feel lost if I am not reading a book. I had a day in November where my Goodreads account said that I was reading 0 books. I had NEVER had that happen to me. I had finished up all the books that I was reading and hadn't figured out what I was planning to read next. It was really weird.  Can anyone relate?? Please tell me I am not alone!!

Even now, I think my account says I am reading 3 books and that feels low to me 😂 Usually I am in a couple of studies as well as reading for fun, but I decided to try and slow things down as we are reaching the end of the year. I read or finished reading 26 books in the month of November and I am going to pick my top four from the month and give a brief synopsis, followed by my review.

Title: The Dress Shop on King Street

Author: Ashley Clark

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Series: Heirloom Secrets #1

Synopsis:

 Harper Albright has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her to sew. As she rethinks her own future, secrets long hidden about Millie's past are brought to light.

In 1946, Millie Middleton boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.

Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston and the man who may hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they've both dreamed of. But it's not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams.

My Review:

This book is incredible. It very delicately touches on racial issues and decisions you could not possibly imagine having to make. At the very beginning I was a little lost with the introduction of characters, but after the third chapter when all the main characters in the family line were introduced, it was much easier to keep them all straight. The author effortlessly takes the story line between two time periods, only to weave an incredibly beautiful story of hope and ultimately redemption. There are a lot of deep emotions in this book, heartache, loss, but also an amazing hope. The way the author weaves Harper and Millie's stories together will keep you turning the pages until the very end. I found myself reading slower toward the end because I did not want this book to end. This did not feel like a fiction book, but more of a true story. It will make you feel all kinds of things. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a very well-written, engaging fiction. I think whether you are a historical fiction fan or not that you will enjoy this story. This is one that I will remember for a long time. Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and Net Galley for making it possible to read this book. All opinions are entirely my own.

Title: Her Amish Wedding Quilt

Author: Winnie Griggs

Publisher:  Forever

Series: Hope's Haven #1

 Publication date: Expected Dec. 15, 2020 

Synopsis:  Spirited, forthright, impulsive -- everyone told Greta Eicher she'd have to change her ways if she ever hoped to marry. Then her best friend Calvin, the man she thought she would wed, chooses another woman. Now Greta's wondering if the others were right all along. Her dreams dashed, she pours her energy into crafting beautiful quilts at her shop and helping widower Noah Stoll care for his adorable young children.
Noah knows it's time to think about finding a wife. When Greta offers to play matchmaker on his behalf, Noah eagerly accepts. After all, no one knows his children better. But none of the women she suggests seems quite right, because, unexpectedly, his feelings of respect and friendship for Greta have grown into something even deeper and richer. But will he have enough faith to overcome the pain of his past and give love another chance?

My Review:

This was my first time reading a book by Winnie Griggs. I really enjoyed her engaging writing style. From the first paragraph of the book I was sucked in and curious about what was going to happen next. This was a quick, easy read, despite the fact that it is over 300 pages. I love Greta's feisty, out-spoken temperament and that she holds true to who she is, despite the fact that she was often told to change her ways. While she is out-spoken, it is never in a rude, abrasive way. She is sweet, kind and extremely caring, especially to those she loves the most. Noah has a more abrupt personality, but truly cares for his children, and those around him, yet not in obvious ways like Greta. They both have major hurts that they need to overcome if they hope to have a chance at a loving relationship. While this story moves at a steady pace, there are plenty of surprises along the way to keep it from being predictable. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about the Amish, anyone who loves clean romance stories, and anyone with a love of Christian fiction. While some are turned off by books that are labeled "Christian" this book does not have a preachy, offensive feel to it. The characters do mention God and His will, but again, not in an in your face way. Thank you to Forever publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book, in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, all opinions are entirely my own.

Title:Head in the Clouds

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Synopsis: 

 Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.
When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.
When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line? 

My Review: 

 Such a charming story, I loved it. There is mystery, suspense, adventure, an unlikely courtship and a child who does not speak...the beginning was a little predictable, but after that the story really exploded. A great read for anyone who likes a cozy, clean romance story, historical fiction, a book with all the feels, truly loved it.

Title: Autumn Skies

Author: Denise Hunter

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Synopsis:

 Facing the past is easier if you don’t have to face it alone.

The Bluebell Inn is turning a profit, and it’s time for the Bennett siblings to sell it and move on. Only Grace has plans to stay in the small lake town of Bluebell, North Carolina, where she hopes her growing outfitters business will save her from the loneliness of her siblings’ departure and the persistent sense of unworthiness in her life.

A gunshot wound resurrects the past for Secret Service agent Wyatt Jennings, and a mandatory leave of absence lands him in Bluebell. There he must come to grips with the tragedy that altered his life fourteen years ago.

When Wyatt books a room at the Bluebell Inn, sparks fly between him and Grace. She volunteers to be his mountain guide, and he soon opens up to her, drawn to her strength and sense of humor. But both are reticent to talk about the survivor’s guilt they each carry, and when their pasts finally collide, their budding romance might not survive the truth.

My Review: 
I really enjoy reading books by Denise Hunter. They are well-written, engaging and hard to put down. This one was no exception. I started reading it and I was immediately surprised and thought that I had started reading something by someone else. She started out with a character that is a secret service agent, which was completely unexpected and not her normal character. I appreciate that an author can still surprise you, and is creative enough to write about characters in a way that you wouldn't associate as typical for them.

This is the third book of the Bluebell Inn Romance series, and while they do all go together, it is not necessary to have read the first two before this one (although I would recommend it). This could be read as a stand-alone and still be an enjoyable story.

I love that this series is set in North Carolina and follows a set of siblings. The first two stories are about Molly and Luke, and this one is about Grace.

I loved reading Grace's story and how it eventually intertwined with Wyatt's. There are so many different elements in this story; romance, suspense, humor and the overarching theme of the grace of God. I read this book in an afternoon. I have not devoured a book that quickly in an extremely long time.

I highly recommend this book (and series) to anyone who loves reading clean, inspirational fiction.

********

Now, can I geek out for a minute? Denise Hunter liked my review on Goodreads!!!! It is AMAZING to me that an author would take time to read the reviews on their books, and then like them (I don't recall having this happen before), and it really brought a smile to my face! I don't write my reviews for someone to "like" them, much less receive any acknowledgement from the author. I write them because I LOVE to read and hope that people will read my reviews and that the review will encourage someone else to want to read that book. 

Have you read any of these books? If so, tell me what you liked or didn't like about them. What are your top reads from November? I would love to hear from you, I am always looking for my next great read 😊