In her debut, Danielle has created what is actually part one of a passion project to share a message to Christian encourage women. The eight ways of flourishing focused on in this book are Open Heart, Open Hands, Open Eyes, Open Ears, Open Mind, Open Mouth, Open Nose, and Open Arms. Written in an easy, conversational style, each chapter includes personal stories, prayers, Bible verses, questions to ask yourself, a portion of Scripture to look up, and things to ponder. The book can be easily used on your own or as a study with a small group. While I felt it was specifically written toward a young believer, those who have been walking in faith for decades can still find truths and surprising connections to reflect upon in this helpful book. A friend who lives on the other side of the country read this at the same time as I did so we could discuss it after we finished a chapter. The chapters on Open Ears and Open Nose included teaching that was either new to me or something I needed to hear at the moment I was reading. I highly recommend checking out this book.

The post Open: 8 Ways to Flourish… review appeared first on Writing by Michelle Habrych.

This book is a riot and had me laughing out loud too many times to count. Told from multiple points of view, Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a fast-paced ride that can easily be enjoyed over a weekend, as I did. I especially appreciated the story-within-a-story aspect of it. With the mystery and humor reminiscent of Maria Semple’s Where’d You Go, Bernadette and the movies Game Night and Date Night, this novelwill keep you wondering how it’s all going to work out. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook performed by prolific narrator Hillary Huber.

Check out my bookshelf of recommended reads here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for your support of my writing.

The post Jane and Dan at the End of the World review appeared first on Writing by Michelle Habrych.

Before reading Winning the Earthquake, I knew her name but I knew absolutely nothing else about her. She was born on a Montana ranch in 1880, and this fascinating biography begins with her remarkable childhood in Big Sky Country. A dedicated activist and suffragist, Rankin also was a firm believer in peace and negotiation as an alternative to war. This book was inspiring and hard to put down. I highly recommend it! 

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own. Check out my bookshelf of recommended reads here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for your support of my writing.

The post Winning the Earthquake review appeared first on Writing by Michelle Habrych.

Told in three acts (literally—plus a “finale” and “closing credits”), That’s What Friends are For describes the highs, lows, and everyday concerns of gay men of a certain age. Tackling heavy topics of aging and health, sexual harassment, bullying, homophobia and prejudice, family hurts, and religious trauma while mixing in laughter and tender moments, this novel will appeal to readers of all ages who are willing to put the words of Atticus into action. 

Author Wade Rouse is a master storyteller, known by many women’s fiction readers for his Viola Shipman novels. He’s spent years telling women’s stories in a voice that is incredibly authentic. Now with That’s What Friends are For, he provides a book to tell a new story, one that he says his editor believes he was meant to write. Please note, this novel has elements of both friendship and dating, and it contains some spicy scenes. If you’re sensitive to that, you can easily skip a page or two as needed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

A final note: I purchased the hardcover book and enjoyed hearing the author speak at a local bookstore, as well as listening to the fantastic audiobook version with a full cast. I highly recommend reading this book in any format.

Check out my bookshelf of recommended reads here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for your support of my writing.

The post That’s What Friends are For review appeared first on Writing by Michelle Habrych.

Tilly Nightingale has been in a reading slump for a long time when she receives an unexpected call on her birthday that there is a gift waiting for her at the local bookstore. Five months earlier, her young husband Joe died but left her one final surprise: a year of books he had chosen for her and he included a letter with each one. This novel tells the story of Tilly’s year of adventures and personal growth. The narrative not only follows her through the year but also provides flashbacks to important moments in her relationship with Joe. Readers also see events from the bookseller Alfie Lane’s point of view as he interacts with the young widow and struggles to keep his book store afloat. Combining You’ve Got Mail and P.S. I Love You vibes, this novel will have you feeling all of the emotions. You’ll also likely end up putting more books on your To-Be-Read list as well! 

Check out my bookshelf of recommended reads here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for your support of my writing.

This book was my February choice from Book of the Month. If you would like to join and get a great offer on your first box, use my referral link here. The current offer will give you a book for $1 and give me a little treat, too! (Offer subject to change by BOTM.)

Special thanks to my book bestie Kristen for encouraging me to move this one up on my To-Be-Read list.

The post This Book Made Me Think of You review appeared first on Writing by Michelle Habrych.

I wanted to read this book for many reasons. As a history nerd, I have a particular fascination for the birth of America. I was intrigued to read about David’s story, and I wondered how it would intersect with what I knew about that time period already. Yet while the author’s research was excellent, the storytelling was uneven and, at times, boring to me. The Escapes of David George is an excellent resource but doesn’t meet the boasts of some early reviewers who called it “novelistic.” Unfortunately, that’s what kept me from giving this my highest rating. Pick up this book if you want to know more about this time period and a little-known story of a man who refused the yoke of slavery in his life. Just don’t expect an engrossing narrative.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

The post The Escapes of David George review appeared first on Writing by Michelle Habrych.

The e-banter between Elle and Kevin (their alternate identities) is fantastic. In real life, they meet as Ravi tries to escape out of Yael’s apartment after a one-night stand with her roommate. So, of course, she immediately hates him for hurting her roommate. When he shows up to volunteer at her queer teens book club, she tries to put that aside for the good of her students. This novel explores identity, both culturally and regarding sexuality as a teen and twentysomething in the 2020s. It’s a celebration of books and found family. Realistic characters who deal with mental health issues and trauma come alive on the page. Of course, it seemed like they should have realized the mistaken identity sooner, but that makes it more fun to read. By the way, this book is spicier than I typically prefer to read, so keep that in mind if you plan to give it to a young person or if you are affected by that content. 

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

The post Isn’t It Obvious? review appeared first on Writing by Michelle Habrych.

You, too, may have missed this wacky but true story of the year football came to Texas, many years prior to the Dallas Cowboys’ establishment in the Lone Star State. In the early 1950s NFL teams were losing money nearly every season. The New York Yanks were one of these failing franchises that the owner sold back to the league. Then young Texas millionaire Giles Miller gathered investors to bring professional football to their state for the first time. It was a mess from the very beginning, making for an entertaining read.

The Jim Crow South meant African-American athletes were treated terribly despite their athletic skills. The players were out of control with barroom brawls and strip poker parties. With unbelievable stories of excess and dysfunction, A Big Mess in Texas makes for a fascinating and informative quick read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

The post A Big Mess in Texas review appeared first on Writing by Michelle Habrych.

When we last left these two, Vero had been extradited to Maryland to await trial on charges that she betrayed her sorority sisters, stole a lot of money that resulted from their illegal gambling events, and skipped town. On house arrest with her strict mother and aunt watching over her, Vero hasn’t been responding to Finlay’s calls or texts. Vero’s “husband” Javi (their drunken Atlantic City nuptials still aren’t official) is mooning over his absent “wife,” spending too much time at the Donovan home. When “hot cop” Nick offers to watch the kids for her, Finlay and Javi hit the road to check on Vero.

Unsurprisingly, the laughs start quickly and never stop in this wild ride. From evading the officer assigned to monitor Vero’s house arrest to pursuing an old college boyfriend who could provide the alibi for Vero’s whereabouts the night the money disappeared, it’s just one thing after another for these crazy friends. Crazy agent Sylvia, hacker Cam, and new nosy elderly neighbors provide even more over-the-top ridiculousness. Towing the line between questionable activities to downright illegal choices, readers wonder just how long these two can get away with things before they’re caught trying to exonerate Vero. 

Are you in need of a good laugh? If so, I highly recommend checking out the Finlay Donovan book series. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, go back and start at the beginning before jumping into book six. Unlike some mysteries, these aren’t totally predictable. Add in the rom-com bits, friendship and family dynamics, and what-can-possibly-happen-next antics, and you’ve got guaranteed entertainment!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC preview. I enjoyed the audiobook production as performed by Angela Dawe. All opinions are my own.

Check out my bookshelf of recommended reads here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for your support of my writing.

The post Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line review appeared first on Writing by Michelle Habrych.

While this book follows many of the romance formulas (enemies to lovers, fake dating, and workplace romance are some), Last Night was Fun stands out in my mind as a great book for romcom and sports fans. Emmy works in the male-prevelant field of professional baseball where she struggles to be taken seriously by some of the good ole boys. Other heavier topics are addressed in her backstory but they don’t distract from the overall feel of this romance. Gabe, the accidental texter and her workplace rival, is a great male main character. Though Emmy is surprised when his identity is revealed, it’s obvious to the reader from the start, giving off You’ve Got Mail vibes throughout their anonymous exchange. You’ll find yourself rooting for the two of them throughout the story. By the way, for my more sensitive readers, there are some steamy scenes later in the book which can be easily skimmed or skipped without missing main story points.

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version read by Patti Murin, who is the voice behind many of Katherine Center’s novels, as well as one of my recently reviewed books, Sally Blakely’s Friends to Lovers. She is an actress who you may even find in a Hallmark movie (we saw her in Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story just as I finished this book!).

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon (Harper Voyager) for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Check out my bookshelf of recommended reads here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for your support of my writing.

The post Last Night was Fun review appeared first on Writing by Michelle Habrych.