137. Maid by: Stephanie Land

This is a book that I know someone talked about on the YouTube channel. I need to start making a note of where I get the ideas rather after I quickly see if the local library has it. Sometimes you shouldn’t look on Goodreads to see what other people thought of the book. Let me first give the synopsis. This is a true story of Stephanie, how she had a child when she was young, was a maid in different places, recieved help from different agencies, and just tried her best to live her life. The things that people did not like about the book, it didn’t abruptly turn me away like others. Yes, she finally got some money from taxes and she spent it on things that they were never able to purchase, but also a diamond ring. Her abusive relationship with the child’s father and also another boyfriend she had, had people screaming about her staying. Mold in her main government home made her child sick, severely sick many times. Instead of looking for other places to live, she stayed knowing that the ear infections and snotty nose of her daughter was the effect of where they lived. At no time did my old DFCS ears pick up during the story. Well, as I am typing I am remembering that she did allow her daughter to stay with her father and those times she should have made her stay. I would recommend this book if you would like to hear a story about a woman just trying to do the best she can. She might get on your nerves or you might bang your head against the book bc the things that she did to survive and provide a life for her daughter isn’t something that you would do.

Books I have read in August and also all of the Amish Fiction.

136. If you could see me now By: Cecelia Ahern

I just don’t know what to say. I cried. Can you love a book that moves you so much and you see yourself in it, but it’s such a hard read? Then you just want to talk to someone who has read it bc you need to talk about this book?
Elizabeth’s life has a place for everything in it. She is a mother to her six year old nephew and is wonderful at her job. When her nephew brings home a new a friend named Ivan, all things begin to change. It’s said to be the relationship between Ivan and Elizabeth. Do you believe in imaginary friends and what happens when you begin to see them as well?
This author also wrote two of my favorite books, Love, Rosie and PS I love you.

135. Group by: Christie Tate

Tropeical Readathon: Counts as number of pages read

This was one one the New Releases shelf at the library and I’m so glad I picked it up. I didn’t even realize it was a memoir until I read some of the Goodreads reviews. I really enjoyed it. If you have ever gone to therapy or struggled with a disorder, you will either struggle through this book, or see it as another person in your line of helpers. Christie begins to see a therapist who says she should come to weekly group meetings. What happens isn’t always ethical, but you walk through her life, trying to find a mate, but especially who she really is, not just her traumatic past.

134. A Distant Shore by: Karen Kingsbury

Tropeical Readathon: Counts as pages read and Going on a trip

This is one of my favorite authors!! I was so excited to see her name on a new book on the New Release bookshelf at the library. This book tells a story with God on the forefront, just like her other books. The synopsis doesn’t even come close to what the book is about. If you love Karen Kingsbury, than you will love this book.

133. Authentically, uniquely You! By: Joyce Meyer

Tropeical Readathon: Counts for pages read

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc. If you are in need of a biblical pick me up, then this book is for you. All of the things that go along with being a person, comparing, and needing to please this book helps in so many ways. I very much think those who struggle with comparison and anxiety/depression will find this scripture filled book a help to you.

132. The Revealing By: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Tropeical Readathon: Counts as pages read

I am so thankful that the library had the third book in this installment. This was such a heartwarming ending to a great series. Again, there are many different characters throughout the book to remember and look out for. Even though, the author did a wonderful job at having each of them finish their own story.

131. Miss Cecilys Recipes for Exceptional Ladies

Tropeical Readathon: Counts for food theme and pages read

Such a wonderful read. I’m glad that I picked it up at the library. Kate finds herself volunteering at an assisted living home after her world falls apart. She is tired from her job and her boyfriend broke up with her on the first day of their big vacation. When Kate begins to talk to Cecily, a woman who lives in the home, they both get to tall about life and recipes. What will become of Kate when she finally puts herself first and how will Cecily help to being her cook book to others? A wonderful story that everyone should read.

130. Beastkeeper By: Cat Hellison

Tropeical Readathon: Counts as Retelling and number of pages

• 

This is a short YA book on a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The best way to describe this book is that Sarah is dropped off at her grandparents house when her mother all of a sudden leaves and her father is acting differently. She finds that her family has been cursed with becoming a beast while waiting for the one who loves them to turn them back. I really enjoyed this small book. I couldn’t wait to find out the ending. The main characters friend, Alan very much reminded me of Mr. Tumnus from Narnia. Thanks to my sister for falling in love with James McAvoy to showing me who he was. This was a really quick and easy read if you like fairy tales.

129. Seasons of an Amish Garden

Tropeical Readathon: Counts as Blast from the Past and number of pages

• 

Such a wonderful book!! It is three stories through three different months. Each of the stories goes along with one to two characters, while you see all of the families throughout the book. It was easy to keep up with and you were rooting for the characters.