August 2019 ~ Nighttime Reading Center

August 31, 2019

Monthly Wrap up: August 2019

August is done. Kids are either just started school or are about to after Labor day. This month was a bit better in reading for me. Though I was getting ready for a wedding that will be tomorrow. I am happy with that.

I am watching my NFL team. I did watch each preseason game. With football season starting up soon for the NFL. My weekends or evening when my Pittsburgh Steelers are playing, I will be watching them. I am glad to see that they went 3-1 for the pre-season. Though I know it mostly for new players and see who will make the 53 man roster for 2019. Will the regular season starting in less then a week. I hope all football fans the best of luck with their teams.

I have am currently in a middle of a book. Getting ready for the football season and for the trip down to where the wedding going to be. I am also working on my spreadsheet that is called Reading Log. I will share it with my followers and other bloggers and book bloggers once I it been checked over.

Still working on backlog of reviews I got the blog post ready. Will just need to write the reviews for them. They are for book read during 2009 through 2011 or before i started my blog. I did post some but none this month. I hope to create a blog post and share the google spreadsheet that I created and will help some bloggers be able to keep track of some their stats and books read over the years in one spreadsheet. This is work in progress at the moment. I have 2019 though 2014 Book Logs and stats up to date and entered. Still got to work adding the tabs for 2013 and 2012 for me that will added and then probably shared after that. More on the spreadsheet when I create the blog post about it.

Books Read in August:

The Healing Jar By Wanda E. Brunsetter
The Root of Murder by Lauren Carr (Book Tour / Review coming out October 21)
Great and Small Prayers for Babies by BH Kids
Night Night Bible Stories by Amy Parker
The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport

My books really fell in 4 different genres for this month. They are in 3 different media categories I believe as well. They will be shown below.

Books by Genre:

Children - 2 Books
Mystery - 1 Book
Romance - 1 Book
Historical Fiction - 1 Book

Books by Media Categories:

Paperback - 3 Books
Board Book - 1 Book
Hard Cover - 1 Book

I have read a total of 1,093 Pages, for the month of August. I finally am back to reading around what I think I can for a month. I am getting ready for wedding for tomorrow but I will only be traveling for a day and coming back the next day. The total for 2019 is 6,719 Pages and 34 Hours of Listening.

Books by Pages Total:

The Healing Jar - 320 Pages
The Root of Murder - 297 Pages
Great and Small Prayers for Babies - 12 Pages
Night Night Bible Stories - 208 Pages
The Inn at Hidden Run - 256 Pages

Total Pages by Month:

January - 1,530 Pages
February - 532 Pages
March - 1,390 Pages
April - 363 Pages, (about 16 Hours, Listening)
May - 368 Pages, (about 10 Hours, Listening)
June - 995 Pages
July - 448 Pages, (about 8 Hours, Listening)
August - 1,093 Pages

Total books by Month:

January - 8 Books
February - 2 Books
March - 5 Books
April - 4 Books
May - 2 Books
June - 3 Books
July - 2 Book
August - 5 Books

Favorite Book of the Month:

You can check out my review of The Inn at Hidden Run

Want to Check out the site for alerts on this series - Tree of Life

Want to buy: Amazon

Book Challenges:

- Goodreads Reading Challenge 31/31 Books

- Booklikes Reading Challenge 31/31 Books

- Fiction Addiction's Monthly Wrap up

- Backlog of Reviews (3 Reviews) 2011 though 2017

Here is everything that been posted for the year. Some things have been will be posted later then when I read the book or reviewed it. Most cases this is when a book is on tour with me. The Book review may be posted later or a month or so done the line. I will gladly mark these when I read the book so you know.

My Wrap Ups for the Year:

August 26, 2019

8:55 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport

Book Title: The Inn at Hidden Run
Author: Olivia Newport
Series: Tree of Life (Book 1)
Genres: Historical Fiction, Genealogy, Family Tree
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Publisher date: 2019-05-01 (256 Pages, Paperback)

A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees

Meri’s family has been producing doctors for so many generations that no one remembers why, so when she flunks out of medical school, she runs as far from her parents as she can get. In the small mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado, she takes a job at the Inn at Hidden Run B&B. And waits. It’s only a matter of time.

What she doesn’t count on is genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan, having her back when it takes everything she has not to bolt again but to stay and face the truth that only unfolding her family’s history will reveal. While Nolan works on keeping Meri calm—and in town—Jillian pulls out of her gems of information she doesn’t know she has and arranges the puzzle pieces.

But none of that changes the fact that Meri’s family is closing in to haul her back to her “real” life. When their arrival inflames tensions and Meri finally does bolt, Nolan and Jillian may be out of time.

The Inn at Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree of Life series. Readers will come back to backdrop of a lovely mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that inspire them to connect with their own family histories and unique faith journeys.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. My review is my honest review.
Want to Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christian Books |
Add To: Goodreads

The Inn at Hidden Run is not your normal kind of historical fiction book. I really like that. This start out in the present with a young woman who shows up asking for a job. But she seem to be running from something. Why is what make you want to know.

Though we also get a story of a what is going on in Memphis in 1878. Though the eyes of a young woman named Elisa. She tells us about the epidemic of Yellow Jack or as we call it “Yellow Fever”. I do not know how this author does this but I loved it. I hope to get their other stories though out this series.

How the author combines the family tree elements or genealogy though this book to find the connection and the present members the family she runs into is really interesting and fun to read. The plot is written well. The characters are written well. To find out what the meaning behind Canfield and Eliza is something. For it does not get reveled until the end make it even more enjoyable to read.

I had felt really like I was going down a path of finding the connection with Jillian who was helping Meri and her family and why they were Medical doctors. We find that connection at the end. You will want to read this book if you are looking for something new and a historical fiction or event that happen in USA along with some fun in Genealogy.

Olivia pull to along and you will want to find out. She put these to element together seemly and I just love that. I have yet to see another author do this. I hope to get the next book in the series as I can not wait to read them.

August 20, 2019

6:54 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: Night Night Bible Stories

Book Title: Night Night Bible Stories
Author: Amy Parker
Genres: Bible Stories, Children, Christian
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publisher Date: 2019-26-03 (208 Pages, Hardcover)

Before you say good night, snuggle your kids cozy close and enjoy favorite Bible stories for bedtime. Amy Parker and Virginia Allyn, the author-illustrator pair you know and love from the bestselling books Night Night, Farm and Night Night, Train, have teamed up again for their first bedtime Bible storybook.

Night Night Bible Stories includes 30 stories from the Old and New Testaments told in narration. Each Bible story features rhyming takeaways to remind little ones of God’s love and care along with a sweet bedtime prayer. Stories include:

When the World Was Made
The World’s Bravest Queen
An Angel Visits Mary
Jesus Lives
Go Tell the World!
Bedtime is the perfect time to share with your children timeless messages of faith from the Bible. For old and new fans of Amy Parker Night Night books, Night Night Bible Stories is sure help your little ones fall asleep feeling safe and loved

Disclaimer: I received copy of the book from Book Look Bloggers for an honest review
Want to Buy:
Add To: Goodreads

Night Night Bible Stories is a collection of stories for children. Parents can read them a story from this book each night. It good for parents and grandparents a like. The book is done well. I enjoyed each story and it understandable for children.

It was able to understand it better then reading the bible itself. It got stories from the old testament and some for the new testament. It broken down into these two parts. Though they flow together nicely in this one book.

The picture are done well. I really got the story behind each one with the pictures. The words and phrases were done well. I was really enjoyed them prase that chance with each story that you read. Some of the stories I got and knew well. I also got new stories I have not known or did not remember. It was really well done for me to understand and read.

Children will be able to grasp the stories being read to them and later be able to pick up the book and read themselves once they have learn to read. This book is worth having for young readers and parents. You can give it as a gift if you want or keep it yourself or for your children or grandchildren. Each story is different but they are written well. The easy to read and simple as well.

August 12, 2019

3:31 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: Great & Small Prayers for Babies

Book Title: Great & Small Prayers for Babies
Author: BH Kids
Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Juvenile, Baby Animals, Children
Age Group: 0-3
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Publisher Date: July 30, 2019 (12 Pages, Board Book)

Thank You, God, for great and small animal friends!

Join these adorable animal pairs in a board book that’s meant for little hands to hold and explore. Each spread features a large animal and his little friend, who is hiding under the flap. A short thank-You prayer on each spread models simple thankfulness, and the text includes animal sounds to make the reading even more fun.

Six pairs of great-and-small friends to meet, six chunky flaps to lift and discover, and six simple prayers to pray—all to delight little hands and hearts.

Disclaimer:I received this book from B&H/Lifeway Blogger program. I receive a book from them free in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Buy: Amazon| Lifeway |
Add To: Goodreads

Great and Small Prayers for Babies is really sweet and cute. It easy to read. It got a rhyme to when you are reading the book. It great for little toddlers or little children to pick up and play with. I did notice this love it. That I wanted for a family member of mine.

My mom though otherwise, she wants for a friend of hers that having a baby. My thoughts exactly is why I picked it up was for cousin of mine. It is better for the newest members of the family. It for babies, ages 0-3. They can open the flap to read and see what under the flap, It cute and fun to read what it says under the flap.

Came brand new and closed ready to be opened by little hands. Pictures are done well and sweet to look and see. Words that go with animal makes. Great for parents looking for a gift for a new baby coming into the family or even for themselves.

August 9, 2019

8:05 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: The Healing Jar by Wanda E. Brunsetetter

Book Tile: The Healing Jar
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Series: The Prayer Jars (Book 3)
Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance,
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Publisher Date: August 6, 2019 (320 Pages, Paperback)

What if you have waited to find love only to be rejected when it finally comes?

Lenore Lapp is an Amish schoolteacher in her late twenties still living at home with her parents and grandparents. She thought love had passed her by until she meets Jesse Smucker, a widower with a baby daughter. She quickly falls in love with them both and accepts Jesse's proposal of marriage, but Jesse breaks off their engagement when he realizes he can't marry only for convenience.

Resigned to living single, Lenore throws herself into caring for her elders. While working in her grandmother's garden, she digs up an old jar. Will Lenore find healing for her broken heart and solve long-buried family secrets by reading the note contained inside?

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher for an honest review.
Want to Buy: Amazon |
Add To: Goodreads

Ever seem like you are looking for answers to a question? What if you can not at first find those answers. Do you seem ready to give up or do let it go for the time being? Well you would not think I be asking this except this exactly how Sarah Marry feels about herself? Will she find out Who her biological father is or will she not.

The Healing Jar pick this up once again where we left off. We are told about Lenore and her backstory a bit and why she is where is when we open up the book. Lenore seem like she has questions of her own. Will she find love and start a family of her own?

We meet Jesse Smucker and his daughter that are new to the community. He seem determined to not marry as he loss his first wife. God seem to have a different plan for him and his daughter. While Jesse is looking for someone to watch his 6 month old daughter while he at work, Lenore is asked if she could watch her. She accepts.

There are surprises and twist as you turn the pages. We also know that Sarah is still has a mystery to solve and we also hear and learn about Michelle story a bit more. All three girls are still pulling with the mystery of who wrote the notes in the prayer jars.

This book is everything you want in a book. It a tear tearjerker as well as being heartfelt. You will feel emotions as you turn the pages. What and ending it has. I know I could not put this book down toward the end. I was crying tears while reading. This series is another great one and one that I am thankful that own. I hope you enjoy as well. I hope to see more from these characters.

August 1, 2019

12:30 AM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: The Brides of the Big Valley by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter

Book Title: The Brides of the Big Valley
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter
Genres: Romance, Amish, Fiction, Christian Fiction
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Publisher Date: June 1, 2019 (448 Pages, Paperback)

In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author/publisher for an honest review. It came though being with Wanda Clippity Clappty Book Club.
Want to Buy: Amazon
Add To: Goodreads

Deanna's Determination By Wanda E. Brunstetter:

This story is really compelling. I really like the fact that this story is about to main characters and they it centers somewhat around being blind. What would happen if you lost your sight? We get to experience this though the eyes of Elmer.

Though we see how strong Deanna's faith is? How she handles her self and her child needs is something special of it. Will Deanna's determination help or hurt her love. Will her love find out that she loves him for him and not his sight? Wanda can make you feel like you are a part of the family when reading her stories or books. This story plot is really something and refreshing to read.

Rose Mary's Resolve By Jean Brunstetter:

Rose Mary seem to get quite a few things about what she is doing. Though she seems smart enough to figure it out. Though she seem to need a little help from her friend and family. He current boyfriend seem to be pushing Rosemary and trying to go English? Will Rosemary keep her resolve or will she be tempted?

She meet an Englisher that befriends her who is a pilot? What will she decide to do? Her mother is worried she will leave the faith? Her mother can not figure out why he husband his so calm about their daughter Rosemary? We meet Kevin. Kevin seem to be interested in Amish way of life, and Rosemary? Will get figure out what he wants and needs in his life?

Leila's Longing By Richelle Brunstetter:

Leila has some struggles we all seem to have growing up. Leila is helping out her mother. Leila seem to struggle with making friends. Don't we all. Though she does not know that her friend reason for treating her badly.

She seem to think she is cause to all her friends and community problem. Though maybe she not. The way she over thinks things. Mollie finds her when she in the store. Will Mollie help her and be friends with Leila.

Aden seems to find that Leila is a catch but he want to get to know her for himself. His friend Samuel seem to see her at singing and cause hurt to Leila. Leila seem to doubt herself once more and fall into not trusting her friends or herself. Can she let go of the past and trust god? Will she hold on to that past? Can she learn from her past and forgive those that hurt her?

The author tell a story about a girl that want to control everything and worrying about things may be hurting her more then helping her move on. The way the author does this helps show us everyone deal with some of the same issues as everyone else does. It may just be a bit different in the way they live and how they deal with their struggles.