Book Review and Giveaway: Habits of a Peacemaker by Steven T. Collis

Book Description:

Learn the practical skills that can help you build bridges, heal relationships, and engage in productive conversation about even the hardest topics.

Most people have experienced the slippery slope of dialogue that descends into -polarized argument. We yell at each other. We gaslight. We twist one -another’s words and meanings. We embrace facts that support our conclusions and ignore those that don’t. Or we sit in silence, afraid to discuss anything of substance. If how you treat others matters to you, this book offers powerful new habits that can give you the confidence to engage in dialogue about hard topics while building and strengthening relationships.

Imagine turning what could be a contentious conversation with a family member, a friend, or a coworker into a fruitful exchange that enlightens everyone’s minds and inches both of you toward a solution. Steven T. Collis, one of the world’s leading experts on civil -discourse, reveals ten practical habits that can help you navigate the potential minefields of hard topics and leave you and those you converse with feeling thoughtful and productive.

Whether you’re motivated by a desire for more fruitful discussions about politics or simply bringing more peace to your home, Habits of a Peacemaker offers you the tools to engage in constructive and healthy dialogue. 

Review:

Wow. This is a book that everyone should read. It was a little difficult to take at times, but that's only because the author showed me where I fall short in becoming a peacemaker. I recommended this book to my book club, and plan on recommending it to friends and family alike. If everyone followed these 10 habits, our world would be such a better place to live in. That might not be realistic (sadly) but if those who read this book put the habits into play, that can create a ripple effect in the world around us, and make our little piece of the world just that much better. I need to keep this book easily accessible so I can reference it often.

Title: Habits of a Peacemaker
Author: Steven T. Collis

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: September 2024 
ISBN: 1639932976
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Book Review: So True a Love by Joanna Barker

Book Description:

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society —and the last woman one would suspect of working as a private investigator. But after one case nearly costs her everything, she makes the hard decision to hang up her hat and live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of a harrowing armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. While she appreciates his keen mind and quick wit on a case, his interference is muddling her progress—and her heart. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as she constantly bumps into Nathaniel, who is determined to keep her out of danger.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.

Review:

It's been awhile since I read A Heart Worth Stealing, but I enjoyed how Ginny and Jack played a part in this book. It made me want to go back and re-read their story. But Verity and Nathaniel were quite the handful all on their own. I got a kick out of how often Verity managed to find herself right in the middle of all sorts of challenges. And how she was usually not very sorry about it. 

Their chemistry just worked, and the author did a wonderful job bringing both major and minor characters to life.  

Title: So True a Love
Author: Joanna Barker

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: September 2024 
ISBN: 1639932941
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Book Review: Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore

Book Description:

Based on a true story and set against the backdrop of WWII, a young woman’s love of flying becomes an epic fight for identity and equality.

In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday.

Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy’s dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies.

But Nancy isn’t alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy’s rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition.

Review:

I enjoy reading history, especially WWII. I just find it fascinating. I jumped at the chance to read Lady Flyer, because the description captured my interest, plus I have really enjoyed the author's other books. This is not a fast-paced novel, filled with action and adventure. It is the story of one woman (and really, many other players) who fought for equal treatment of women pilots in the WWII era. It shouldn't, because I've read so many other books about how women were treated and viewed in the "olden days," but it still boggles my mind that they were treated as poorly as they were. Any time I read books like this, I realize how blessed I am to be living in a time when I am considered an equal. I am equally in awe at women like Mrs. Love who put everything on the line to fight for that equality, and kept on fighting, even when things didn't go the right way.

Title: Lady Flyer
Author: Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: September 2024 
ISBN: 163993295X
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Book Review: Fun Fact: I Love You by Gina Larsen

Book Description:

In this friends-to-lovers romance, high school senior Nellie has her future all planned out—except for a disastrous first kiss, a hurtful prank, and the unexpected twist of falling in love with her childhood friend.

Fun fact: Nellie Samsin has ten days left of high school, and she’s never been kissed—which is fine with her. She’s been more focused on editing the yearbook and being named valedictorian than worrying about a boyfriend. But when she has a chance to kiss her longtime crush, she hopes it will be a magical experience. Until she learns it was all a lie, a hurtful prank orchestrated by her so-called best friend, leaving Nellie heartbroken and angry with everyone involved.

Jensen Nichols has spent his senior year keeping three massive secrets: first, he’s been writing a best-selling romance fantasy series under the pseudonym “Jen Dimes”; second, he’s been harboring a secret crush on Nellie, to the point where he’s based his fictional romantic heroine on her; and third, Nellie’s dad has been his writing mentor and coach. Jensen has promised himself that he’ll reveal his secrets—but only when the time is right. Then he sees Nellie kissing his best friend, and his unexpected rush of jealousy means that the time for keeping secrets is running out.

When a family tragedy rocks Nellie’s world, the future she meticulously planned for is threatened. And when she learns the people she thought were her friends have lied to her, she feels lost and betrayed. At least she has Jensen, who is the one person she knows for a fact she can trust. But the more time the two of them spend together, the more Nellie suspects Jensen is hiding something from her. (Fun fact: Keeping secrets is the worst.)

It seems Nellie and Jensen are perfect for each other, but they will need to separate fact from fiction in order to see if their unplanned romance can last beyond graduation day.

Review:

What did I do yesterday, you ask? I read this book. Pretty much the entire thing, except for the few chapters that I read the night before. I only took breaks when I had to go take or pick up children from one activity or the other. Some books, I really enjoy, but I'm just fine taking several days or even a week to read. This one, I found that I just didn't want to put it down, and since I didn't have any pressing things going on (other than housework, but no worries, that's certainly not going anywhere!) I had no issue with parking myself on my couch all day until I had finished the book.

It has been many, many years since I was in high school, and I think I'm at the age now where sometimes, reading about characters in high school is kind of annoying. I think I'm well on my way to becoming that curmudgeonly old person that yells at kids to stay off their lawn. If I ever get a lawn, that is. At any rate, I was a bit hesitant to start this book, simply because of the high school thing. I needn't have worried. The characters were well-thought out, and perfect for this story. There was a lot of teenage angst in this, but instead of becoming annoying, it was perfect for the story. 

This is an easy, quick read, but it still deals with some pretty serious, heartbreaking issues.

Title: Fun Fact: I Love You
Author: Gina Larsen

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: July 2024 
ISBN: 1639932453
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book

Book Review: A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey

Book Description:

Aisley lost everything in a Viking attack. Now, working alongside the one man she trusts, she is ready to fight for her people—and for love.

Wessex, AD 878

Aisley’s young life was changed forever when her father accompanied King Alfred into battle and lost his life in a deadly skirmish with the Vikings. Now, almost seven years later, the Vikings are once again rallying on Wessex’s borders, and Aisley fears that her older brother may have treacherous plans to betray the king by aligning himself with the invading Norsemen. But when Aisley encounters a handsome nobleman in the market, she feels the first stirrings of hope. Though they met only once when Aisley was little more than a child, she recognizes him immediately as one of King Alfred’s most trusted men.

It has been years since Brecc has seen Aisley, but when he spots her in the marketplace, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the copper-haired young lady with a gift for healing. Before his fledgling feelings for her can develop into something more, however, a Viking attack tears them apart. King Alfred is forced into hiding, and in a matter of days, the Saxon nation is brought to its knees. Unwilling to forsake their people, the king and his men embark on secret raids of Viking encampments. But when Aisley joins the fight, Brecc must reconcile his steadfast loyalty to King Alfred with his growing love for the king’s newest warrior.

Review:

I loved this story! This author always does a great job of taking me to a time and place that I'm not familiar with at all, and bringing it to life for me. Back when I homeschooled my twins, we had a history game that we would play, and one of the people in the game was King Alfred the Great, so I was familiar with him, but other than remembering his name, I didn't remember what made him so great. Thanks to this story, now I know at least part of the reason. (Side note: I always love when authors of historical fiction add an author's note at the end with more historical background.)

Aisley and Brecc were great, strong characters, especially given all of the trials that they had to go through. I also would not be sad if Rheged got his own story sometime down the line...

This book is definitely a keeper. 

Title: A Kingdom To Claim
Author: Sian Ann Bessey

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: July 2024 
ISBN: 163993247X
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Book Review: To Love the Brooding Baron by Jentry Flint

Book Description:

Opposites attract and sparks fly when the vivacious Arabella falls for a baron who lives under the shadow of a scandalous family secret.

1815, London

Arabella Latham is a free spirit who longs to feel the spark of true love, but few men can match her passion for Shakespeare or her zest for life. Though her prospects seem slim, Arabella knows she can always count on the handsome but stoic Lord Henry Northcott, dubbed "The Brooding Baron" by the ton, to be willing to engage in intelligent conversation and even share a congenial dance with her at almost every ball. His quiet demeanor is the opposite of her vivacious personality, and she finds herself drawn to him, despite their differences.

Lord Northcott has quietly admired Arabella for years, grateful that his friendship with her brother has allowed him to share in her company and even begin to secretly imagine a life together with her. But he knows he cannot pursue a romantic relationship with any woman--let alone someone as bright and beautiful as Arabella--because of the shadow that an old family scandal has cast over his life. He has vowed to preserve what is left of his family's reputation by holding himself above reproach apart from society and focusing the majority of his efforts at Parliament.

But Arabella is determined to show Lord Northcott that life is meant to be enjoyed, and she sets out to see what is behind the walls the Brooding Baron has built around himself. Could the spark of true love be enough to drive away the shadows holding Henry back?

Review:

I had a hard time putting this book down,  and finished it in just a few days. Even though it did have some Shakespeare in it, it was done in such a way that didn't bog the story down - in fact, and I'm amazed that I'm saying this, based on my opinion of the Bard, it even enhanced the story line. I've been reading a lot of nonfiction, war-based books lately, and sometimes it's just nice to lose myself in a story that doesn't hurt my heart.

I enjoyed watching the growth of both Arabella and Lord Northcott, especially when it came to Northcott's issues. It's always nice to have people you can trust in your corner, and Northcott not only had Arabella, but he had Mr. Bradbury as well. Can he get his own story next? He was hilarious, and most definitely needs his own story.

Definitely a story I recommend.  

Title: To Love the Brooding Baron
Author: Jentry Flint

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: June 2024 
ISBN: 1639932399
Source: I received a review copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Book Review: Beneath a Crescent Shadow by A.L. Sowards

 

Book Description:

After an arranged marriage, Konstantin and Suzana must find a way to meet the demands of a conquering Ottoman sultan amid a torrent of setbacks and dangers much closer to their Balkan home.

The Balkans, 1373

A devastating battle claimed the lives of Konstantin's father, uncle, and most of their Serb army, leaving him to rule as a vassal of the Ottoman sultan, a role he is wholly unprepared for. Between war, famine, and a persistent band of brigands, Konstantin is nearly bankrupt. He will need to find a wealthy bride to marry if he is to have any hope of saving his lands and securing his future.

A betrothal to Suzana, the daughter of a prosperous merchant, is soon arranged, and upon meeting her, Konstantin immediately feels hope that their marriage could someday grow into love. Yet, from the moment of Konstantin and Suzana's betrothal, enemies threaten their lives, outlaws prey on their lands, and the terrors of Suzana's abusive past haunt their fragile new relationship. As this onslaught of threats closes in, the two face challenges that will test their love, their faith, and their hope to save their people and win their freedom from the heavy weight of Ottoman oppression.

Review:

What a great story! I have loved all of the author's previous books, and this one was no different. I wasn't at all familiar with this time period or the history between the Serbs and the Ottoman Empire - other than that I've heard of the Ottoman Empire, of course.

Anyway, I always love reading historical fiction, because history is fascinating, but it can be a bit dry at times (side note: I hated history class in high school, because it was so boring. I'm betting if this author taught my history class, I would not have felt that way.) Not only was the history fascinating, but the characters were well fleshed-out, and I felt like I knew each and every one of them. In some novels where there are several different characters, I sometimes find it hard to keep track of who is who, but that wasn't a problem in this book.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. This one was definitely a page-turner!

Title: Beneath a Crescent Shadow
Author: A.L. Sowards

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: June 2024 
ISBN: 1639932461
Source: I received a review copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book