Heidi by Johanna Spyri: Read-Along: Final Discussion

It is hard to believe we are at the final discussion today! I absolutely loved re-reading this book since I had not read it since I was a child. It was absolutely beautiful! Check out Amber's final thoughts on her blog SEASONS OF HUMILITY. I so appreciate her organizing read-alongs. They are so fun!

Discussion Format: Quotes that touched me, General Impressions, Discussion Questions that Amber posts in order to promote discussion.

QUOTES:

"The truth was that Peter arranged to make his reading as little troublesome for himself as possible. When he came upon a word that he thought was too long or difficult in any other way, he left it out, for he decided that a word or two less in a verse, where there were so many of them, could make no difference to his grandmother. And so it came about that most of the principal words were missing in the hymns that Peter read aloud."Bwahahaha, if poor Peter spent as much time applying himself as he does at trying to get out of doing any work he might make something of himself yet! 

"And so the meal went on. Grandmamma and Alm-Uncle got on very well together, and their conversation became more and more lively. They were so thoroughly agreed in their opinions of men and things and the world in general that they might have been taken for old cronies."I had to laugh at the "old cronies" because that is what my mom calls all of my dad's buddies! haha! 

"Peter, cross as a bear, grumbled some reply, and lifted his stick to give Greenfinch a blow for no reason in particular, but Greenfinch saw the movement, and with a leap over Snowflake's back she got out of the way, and the stick only hit the air."Oh Peter, Peter, Peter(*shakes head*), the poor jealous little boy. I was hoping that by now he would have matured some, but it seems that he does not mature at all throughout the story. His jealously later gets him in trouble but he never seems to learn from his mistakes. He's impulsive and impetuous. 

"But Peter did not consider, or did not know, that when we do a wrong thing trouble is sure to follow."Truer words were never spoken! Peter, boy you have GOT to learn!

"You must not think it is like that, Clara," replied Heidi eagerly. "We must go on praying for everything, for everything, so that God may know we do not forget that it all comes from Him. If we forget God, then he lets us go our own way and we get into trouble." Again, I absolutely love that Heidi seems to be so mature in her faith. It has been tested and she knows that it is true and firm. I also love that she has such a grateful spirit and knows exactly where her blessings come from.

"We all behave foolishly when we are angry." I love the way grandmamma understands Peter and is able to correct him while still giving him dignity. I don't know if I agree with her giving him a gift, it seems that she is rewarding bad behavior, but maybe she sees that when someone is as poor as Peter they need to be shown love rather than harshness. I just wish that it changed Peter's heart more, but he seems to remain a very selfish boy.

"So you see, Peter, God is able to bring good out of evil for those whom you meant to injure, and you who did the evil were left to suffer the unhappy consequences of it." Grandmamma at least pointed out this sin in his heart to him, if only he would heed her words...

"I want to have the bed I slept in at Frankfurt with the high pillows and the thick coverlid, and then grandmother will not have to lie with her head down hill and hardly able to breathe, and she will be warm enough under the coverlid not to have to wear her shawl in bed to prevent her freezing to death." The contrast of the two children is pretty amazing to me. Peter seems like he is selfish throughout the story, he only thinks of himself and his own comfort throughout, but Heidi is always thinking outside of herself and to others comforts. And Heidi seems to be the more abused child. I mean, after all, she had to live with Dete for her first 5 years. She was stifled and not treated very well I imagine and then you have Peter who doesn't seem to be abused at all, but also seems to be scrabbling for every penny he can earn to keep food on the table(and not very much of it apparently), that it has made him selfish, and Heidi has such a tender heart. It is interesting...

"I did not think it possible that there were so many kind people, ready to trouble themselves about a poor old woman and to do so much for her. Nothing strengthens our belief in a kind heavenly Father who never forgets even the least of His creatures so much as to know that there are such people, full of goodness and pity for a poor useless creature such as I am."


"My good grandmother," said Frau Sesemann, interrupting her, "we are all equally poor and helpless in the eyes of God, and all have equal need that He should not forget us." I love that the grandmother sees that God cares for them, but also that the grandmamma also sees that even though she has so much she too needs God. 

"Then at last the grandmother spike, "Heidi, read me one of the hymns! I can feel I can do nothing for the remainder of my life but thank the Father in Heaven for all the mercies he has shown us!" Such a sweet ending to the story! I love all of the spiritual moments in the story!

GENERAL IMPRESSIONS:

What a sweet story of faith, friendship and family. As mentioned above, I love all of the spiritual moments in the story. I love Heidi's loving and unselfish heart. Peter makes me shake my head. He seems to not learn at all from his mistakes. But again I think it is because he has had to scrap and scrape for everything he's ever had in life that it has made him self-centered. There seems to be some gaps as far as timing of the story. When we first meet Heidi she is about 5 years old. It seems she was left with grandfather for about 3 years before she was hauled away by Dete to Frankfurt. I'm not sure how long she was there with the Sesemann's but probably awhile, then back with grandfather for awhile before Clara comes for a visit. When the story begins Peter is a boy of 11 or 12 so all of his antics later in the story could push him to be 16 or older but yet his behavior is that of an 11 or 12 year old child still...so the ages were a bit confusing. Other than that I thought it was a sweet story that I enjoyed very much.

QUESTIONS:

1. What did you think of Peter's reading lessons and Heidi's teaching methods?I had to laugh at them! I actually was more interested in the influence that the grandfather had on Peter. I cracked up when Peter came down the mountain on his sled and slid right past school and out of town! ha! But then the grandfather telling him if he did it again he could come there for his punishment! ha! I liked that Heidi wanted to better Peter and knew that by teaching him to read it would be so much easier in the world for him. 

2. Which scene did you find the most beautiful or memorable in these last chapters?Probably Peter being chased by his conscience. Always looking over his shoulder like someone was lurking there to pounce on him because he knew he had done wrong. 

3. If you could step into the pages of the book, what would you be most eager to experience? (A night gazing at the stars from the loft? Waking up to the sound of the wind through the fir trees? Sitting among the flowers and goats on the mountain? Or something else?)I would love to see the grandeur of the Alps. I wouldn't want to climb up to the grandfathers hut, but just to stand in the village and gaze up at the beauty of those high mountains and breathe the crisp clean air would be absolutely breathtaking I'm sure. 

Thanks to Amber once again for being our hostess for this read-along. I totally enjoyed reading the book and I enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts on what we read. If you've never read HEIDI check out Amazon, I believe they have a free copy available. Along with several other books by Johanna Spyri(which I nabbed!). Every now and then I enjoy a departure from my usual favorite genre of romantic/suspense!

My Cup Runneth Over by Debbie Viguie

Mark wakes up to a dead body in his backyard. Cindy's brother is in town to shoot an episode of his show. Cindy, Tracy and Geanie find a dead body on their day off and Joseph has to figure out how to kill his wife in order to join a secret society. And Jeremiah's job? Holding them all together while trying to keep the bad guys from killing his friends! Just another couple of typical days in the lives of this group of friends.

Another thrilling installment of the Psalm 23 Mysteries. We are getting down to the last books in the series and things are starting to happen quickly. Unfortunately it is proving a bit much for Mark's wife Tracy. I always thought she was a strong character, but I guess we all have our breaking point. I just hope that she finds her footing before the wrap-up. Each step we get a little closer to finding out who exactly Mark's former partner was. I missed more intimate moments between Cindy and Jeremiah in this installment along with the story-line of how they plan to blend their two faiths. The murder mystery they work on solving was exciting and pulse pounding in parts. I like that Cindy and her brother are trying to forge a relationship after their mother went over the edge a couple of books back. As always, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

Heidi Read-Along: Discussion Part 3

This week we are discussing Chapters 14-18. For all of the details check out our host Amber's post on her blog SEASONS OF HUMILITY.

Discussion format: Quotes that impressed you, general impressions and then 3 questions that Amber gives us to promote discussion.

QUOTES:

"Joy shall be ours
  In that garden blest,
  Where after storm
  We find our rest--
 I wait in peace--God's time is best."I love that Heidi sites beside the grandmother to read her old hymns and I love how it makes both of them so happy!

"for the thought that she might make it light and happy again for the grandmother gave her the greatest pleasure, greater even than being out on the sunny mountain with the flowers and goats."This just shows what a sweet and caring person Heidi is. She would rather make an older person comfortable and happy than to selfishly indulge in her own pursuits. I love this about her! To wax a bit preachish here...if we were taught the value of human life nowadays we would have less hatred in this world don't you think?

"Oh, how glad I am that God did not let me have at once all I prayed and wept for!" He allowed for the blessing to be that much sweeter by causing Heidi to have to wait for her hearts desire. And gave her time to grow her faith while being in Frankfurt. 

"And supposing one does forget Him?" said the grandfather in a low voice.

"Then everything goes wrong, for God lets us then go where we like, and when we get poor and miserable and begin to cry about it no one pities us, but they say, You ran away from God, and so God, who could have helped you, left you to yourself." I love that Heidi is able to explain this to the grandfather and cause him to think and even change his behavior and attitude. Such beautiful lessons about God throughout this whole story!

"Grandfather, you look nicer and nicer to-day,I never saw you quite like that before."

"Do you think so?" he answered with a smile. "Well, yes, Heidi, I am happier to-day than I deserve, happier than I had thought possible; it is good to be at peace with God and man! God was good to me when He sent you to my hut." I love how transformed grandfather was once he made peace with God and man. And I love that He used Heidi to soften his heart!

"Peter had sent a good many unfriendly glances towards the doctor on the way up, which might have quite alarmed the latter if he had happened to notice them, which, fortunately, he did not." Ah, poor Peter. He just wanted to have his little friend to himself. He hasn't yet learned the lesson of selfishness. Such a jealous little guy! And all of his efforts not even noticed! ha! 

"When you do not know what more to do you must go and tell everything to God," answered Heidi with decision."I love how once again..."out of the mouths of babes" comes such wisdom!

"But all at once he jumped up and ran back to the spot where he had stood before, and there held up his open hands as a sign that he had no longer any wish to use them as fists, and kept them up until he felt he had made amends for his past conduct. Then he rushed back and sat down to the double enjoyment of a clear conscience and an unusually satisfying meal." So Peter does have a conscience at least and repented of his behavior behind the doctors back! This made me chuckle, but also I thought it was rather sweet that his conscious smote him and he had to make it right before he could enjoy his large meal!

"Good, then understand this: next time you let your sleigh carry you past the school when you ought to be inside at your lessons, come on to me afterwards and receive what you deserve." Ooops! Peter sure set himself up for this rebuke! I loved the way the Alm-Uncle set him straight and taught him a lesson. And one of Peter's own choosing by having Peter come up with the punishment, "And if a boy behaved like these unruly goats, and he got a beating for it, what would you say then?" "Serve him right," was the answer. Uh oh Peter!!! 

"She pushed the potatoes and toasted cheese which still stood on her plate towards him while Uncle was filling his plate from the other side, so that he had quite a pile of food in front of him, but he attacked it without any lack of courage." This made me laugh! Peter definitely is always thinking about filling his tummy!

GENERAL IMPRESSIONS:

I love the transformation of grandfather. And I love how the townsfolk accepted the changed man. I love that Heidi had such an influence on all of those around her. She seemed to know that the doctor needed to have renewed interest in life and a renewed outlook on life. I love that even he went away feeling refreshed and renewed and his sorrow softened just a bit. We can also see a bit of Heidi's influence on Peter in how even he recognized his need to repent his behavior and make it right before he enjoyed his meal. I'm loving this story more and more as we go along and I'm sad that next week is the last of the book. It is always nice to step back and read a sweet story that even though it has some heavy times there is always an underlying message of hope and love and innocence.

QUESTIONS:

1. Which scene in this section made you the most happy when you read it? I think all of the scenes between Heidi and the doctor. He was so low when he got to the mountain and Heidi was able to refresh his soul and spirit.

2. In what way has one of the characters inspired you? I would say Heidi, her faith is so strong for one so young, but it has been tested and proven and so she is now going to show others how that faith can carry a person through the bad and the good. 

3. How would you feel about living in the "mansion" in Dorfli where Heidi and her grandfather spend the winter?While reading that all I could think of was how drafty and cold it would be! I imagine the grandfather kept their room warm and cozy, but still I just think being so cold all of the time would not be very nice. Now if it were in the summer or spring time I think it would be a great place to explore and set up little rooms to play in and pretend in. 

Are you reading along with us? Have you read HEIDI before? If so feel free to jump in on the discussion. Join us next week as we read the last chapters of the book and have our last discussion on Friday January 31.

Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason

Asher James has just gotten out of the service and is having some serious nightmare problems. Brooke Adams was a military psychiatrist when Asher was in the service and he hopes to enlist her help now that he is home and she is in a private practice. Brooke is having some serious nightmares of her time in Afghanistan as well, but when Asher comes to her office and finds a dead woman his military training kicks in and he manages to escape the killer who is still in the office. But now the question is, why does someone want Brooke killed and WHO is that someone? Asher is determined to find out what is going on. Now both of their lives are in danger.

What a roller coaster this story was! So many twists and turns and so much evil exposed. Asher and Brooke have been drawn into quite a web of terrifying circumstances and they will stop at nothing to save the lives of many people, but who can they trust as the culprits seem to extend all the way to the top! I was so stressed reading this book that I had to put it down several times before I could continue! It was so exciting, heart-wrenching and fast-paced! One of Lynette Eason's best so far. If you like suspense, a bit of military flavor and some romance then definitely get this book!

**I received my copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own**

Heidi Read-Along: Discussion 2

This week we are discussing chapters 9-13. Check out our host Amber's post on her blog SEASONS OF HUMILITY for all of the details about the read-along.

Format: Quotes that we like, general thoughts about the chapters, and 3 questions that Amber asks to promote discussion.

QUOTES:

"Still I think even a Swiss child would have to touch the earth if she wanted to go anywhere," remarked Herr Sesemann, "otherwise they would have been given wings instead of feet." This made me laugh a bit. Poor Fraulein Rottenmeier is trying to get rid of Heidi by claiming she is otherworldly and Herr Sesemann thwarts her at every turn! I don't know why she took a dislike to Heidi, but she is not a very nice person.

"Fraulein Rottenmeier went about surveying everything, very upright and dignified, as if to show that though a rival power was expected, her own authority was not going to be extinguished." Oh how she did hate it when her kingdom was upset! 

"Never mind! when I am with the children I am always grandmamma; you won't forget that name, will you?" First off I loved this grandmamma! She took to Heidi right away and treated poor Heidi's little love-starved heart with kindness and gentleness. On a different note...my daughters called my Mother-in-law "Grandmama" She said she had always wanted to be a Grandmama and so a Grandmama she would be! 

"That is the reason, Heidi, that you are so unhappy, because you know no one who can help you. Think what a comfort it is when the heart is heavy with grief to be able at any moment to go and tell everything to God, and pray Him for the help that not one else can give us. And He can help us and give us everything that will make us happy again." I loved how the Grandmamma helped restore Heidi's faith, and also gave her encouragement and a way to have an outlet for her loneliness. 

Two things coming together may produce a happy result, as for instance, a fresh zeal for learning and a new method of teaching, and neither does any harm." I love this "put-down" from the grandmamma to the tutor. It sounds like Herr Sesemann's household and those he hires are all bent on doing as little as possible. Plus some people lack imagination...they do it one way and one way only, and heaven forbid they deviate! ha!

"Yes, Heidi shall have what she asks for, but not until the right time comes, so that she may be quite happy. If I do what she wants now, and then one day she sees that it would have been better for her not to have had her own way, she will cry and say, 'If only God had not given me what I asked for! it is not so good as I expected!' And while God is watching over you, and looking to see if you will trust Him and go on praying to Him every day, and turn to Him for everything you want, you run away and leave off saying your prayers, and forget all about Him. And when God no longer hears the voice of one He knew among those who pray to Him, He lets that person go his own way, that he may learn how foolish he is. And then this one gets into trouble, and cries, 'Save me, God, for there is none other to help me,' and God says, 'Why did you go from Me; I could not help you when you ran away.' And you would not like to grieve God, would you Heidi, when He only wants to be kind to you? So will you not go and ask Him to forgive, you, and continue to pray and to trust HIm, for you may be sure that He will make everything right and happy for you, and then you will be glad and lighthearted again." Whew! That's long, I know! But I just love the way Grandmamma is always pointing out spiritual truth to Heidi and trying to instill in her the need to be close to God. 

"There had never been a ghost in the hosue since she had known it, and if there was one now it must be a live one, with which Rottenmeier ought to be able to deal; if not she had better send for the watchman to help her." I love this response from the grandmamma to Rottenmeier after Rottenmeier wrote her about the "ghost" hahahha!

"and it seemed to her that to take back the child to him, after having left it with him once and then taken it away again, was not a safe or wise thing for her to do. Oh Dete...how I despise that woman! First off, "it" referring to the child! Good grief! She is a her, not an it! And I knew she would weasel out of taking her back somehow! She's all about taking care of herself!

"Yes, that was it! and you are a coward, and you may tell John he is the same, and the whole household a pack of idiots." I totally agree with Herr Sesemann's assessment of his household! All afraid of a "ghost" ha! 

"But Heidi did not stir; she had no need now to wander about, for the great burning longing of her heart was satisfied; she had seen the high mountains and rocks alight in the evening glow, she had heard the wind in the fir trees, she was at home again on the mountain." I loved the closing of chapter 13! Heidi home again with her grandfather. Her little hearts desire was fulfilled and it was so sweet! I loved her homecoming! Going in to see the grandmother and presenting her the rolls, but bringing the grandmother the most sweetest gift of all~herself! Her breathtaking stop up the rest of the mountain to watch the Alpenglow, and then her launching herself into the grandfathers lap to greet him...she was HOME! There is nothing like that feeling of belonging and seeing one that we love some much after a long absence. Love, love love chapter 13! 

GENERAL IMPRESSIONS:

Such frustration with the Susemann household! I understand they needed a companion for Clara, but to the detriment of Heidi's health I thought it was a bit cruel. I was not a fan of Rottenmeier for sure, she was cruel and uncaring for Heidi. I think that the grandmamma was the only one that understood Heidi and yet she too disappointed me in that she knew Heidi was miserable but yet she didn't try to change the situation for her. I like all of the lessons of faith that she taught Heidi, but I think there were more ways she could have helped her. The whole ghost situation was totally funny! Amazing what a bit of mystery and gossip can do for people! ha! Heidi's homecoming was just what I hoped it would be!I loved her reunion with all of her "friends" on the mountain. Looking forward to seeing what happens next in her little life.

QUESTIONS:

1.  What struck you most from the grandmamma's(Frau Sesemann's) interaction with Heidi?

I think I answered that in my quotes section. I think that I really liked her spiritual lessons, but I also think she could have done more for Heidi in her homesickness.

2. Do you think Heidi could have learned to thrive in the Sesemann house over time, or do you think she truly needed to go back to the Alm in order to be healthy and happy again."

At the rate that Heidi was going I think she would have gotten sick so I think it was a must for her to go back to her mountain. 

3. What was your favorite part about Heidi's return home?

Running and throwing herself onto the grandfather's lap! I loved that greeting! The whole return was wonderful, stopping in to see the grandmother and presenting her the rolls, then stopping to watch the mountain change for the evening, and then greeting the grandfather. Such a sweet sweet homecoming!

Join us in reading next week Chapters 14-18 to see what Heidi will be up to in the next section of the story. I'm excited to continue!

Heidi Read-Along: Discussion 1

Today is our first discussion for the Heidi read-along. Head on over to Amber's blog SEASONS OF HUMILITY to check out all of the details for the read-along. Today we are discussing chapters 1-8.

The format for each week is favorite quotes, general impressions and 3 questions that Amber asks to promote discussion.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

"The child stay up there with Alm-Uncle! You must be out of your senses, Dete! How can you think of such a thing! The old man, however, will soon send you and your proposal packing off home again!" Oh my goodness! Do not even get me started on Dete! What an awful person! Not just for dumping Heidi on an old man, but then coming back and dragging her away from him after she was settled! Awful! 

"I don't want any clothes," said the child, not showing any sign of repentance for her past deed." I love how Heidi freed herself of all of her clothing except her underclothes and frolicked around so carefree. Dete's response was awful as we expect! She called her a "good-for-nothing little thing" what an awful thing for an adult to call a child! She just makes me angrier and angrier and also happy that the Alm-Uncle was so accepting of Heidi.

"Uncle's hut stood on a projection of the rock, exposed indeed to the winds, but where every ray of sun could rest upon it." I love how it wasn't a dark and foreboding place to be, but I pictured it filled with every ounce of sunlight possible from each day. I bet that helped through the long winter months! 

"Because I want to go about like the goats with their thin light legs."I love Heidi's explanation of why she packed her clothes away in the back of the cupboard! It seems the little girl has been long oppressed and is in need of some freedom for her little soul.

"And everything that she saw was a fresh source of pleasure to her." I love her curiosity, her willingness to jump in and help the grandfather set the table, their putting her little bed together(straw) and she had delight in everything she did!

"so he carried her warm and safe in his arms."I love how the grandfather cared for her. Especially bundling her up to take for a visit to Peter's grandmother. No chance of her catching cold or being frozen. 

GENERAL IMPRESSIONS: 

I love the beginning of the story. But once Dete comes back and takes Heidi away it slows down a bit. Even with the antics that happen. The kittens crack me up! Sebastian snickering behind closed doors and even instigating some frivolity makes me laugh, but I miss the Alm-Uncle and I feel sorry for him and Peter's grandmother. Since I have read the book I remember a bit of what is going to happen, but still I miss Heidi's life in the Alps. She has the ability to make people love her so that is a good thing, but still to be yanked around so much has to be hard on a child. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next chapters.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Which character ended up surprising you most in these first eight chapters?

Sebastian! I thought he was going to be a stick-in-the-mud, but he really has a sense of humor.

2. Do you think you would enjoy living the way Heidi's grandfather does? What would you like or dislike about that kind of life and home?Only until winter! I do not like being trapped inside when it snows and so can't imagine going months on end being stuck up there. I would hate to have to hike the mountains, but I think they would be beautiful. I wouldn't mind being away from all of the gossipy old crones in town for sure!!!

3. Which scene have you found most touching so far? Most amusing?I think the grandfather helping Heidi make up her loft bed was very touching. The street urchin coming in and playing his hand organ and such had me laughing along with Sebastian! Sneaky guy! ha! 

Have you read HEIDI? I really enjoyed it when I was young and am enjoying it as an adult. If you have read it, or are reading it with us feel free to jump in on the discussion, share your own blog post about it or comment in the comments section. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Protecting Tanner Hollow by Lynette Eason

This is 4 novellas in one book. I enjoyed all of them.

LETHAL HOMECOMING:

Kallie Ainsworth left home several years before because of her step-father's abuse. Now he is dead and Kallie is going home. Just before she arrives though someone tries to run her off the road! Who would want to kill her? And why? Detective Nolan Tanner and Kallie have a romantic past. It broke his heart when Kallie left years ago. The old feelings arise again once he realizes that someone is after Kallie.

I had read this story before. In a compilation of various authors called TARGETED FOR DANGER going back and reading my review of this story I found that I wasn't a fan of it. How sad! Because this time around I really enjoyed it! I wonder what the difference was? I found the story very exciting and I really liked the characters this time around. I liked Kallie and Nolan as a couple and very much enjoyed the story.

LETHAL CONSPIRACY:

Nolan Tanner's firefighter brother Jason Tanner finds a woman left for dead. What looks like an apparent suicide turns out to be an attempted murder. Jason has an instant desire to help Lilly Peterson, a desire that has never hit him before. He just knows that Lilly is telling the truth and he is determined to keep her safe. Especially when he walks into her hospital room and finds someone trying to smother her!

Once again a very exciting read. I really liked Jason and Lilly and the intrigue of who was trying to kill Lilly was very exciting. I liked that Lilly didn't buckle in the end and stood up for herself.

LETHAL SECRETS:

Honor McBride is running from her husbands past. She and her 5 children have been threatened, now that her husband is dead someone wants Honor to pay up on his debts. Upon arriving in Tanner Hollow she has a blowout in one of her tires. Thankfully Eli Marshall is on the scene to help her with her tire and to help her find her way to her aunts home that she has just inherited. But trouble has arrived ahead of Honor and now it is up to Eli and his cousin Nolan to keep her and her children safe.

I think this one was my favorite of the 4 stories. I enjoyed Eli's interaction with the children and his care for Honor. I liked how strong Honor was, but also her ability to see her need for help. Fast-paced and exciting!

LETHAL AGENDA:

When an emergency call comes in that Claire Montgomery is being attacked in her home Sheriff Nolan Tanner wastes no time enlisting his friend who just arrived for a visit to help him. Derek St. John is taking a vacation, but ends up right in the middle of whatever is going on with Claire.

Yes, this is Derek St. John of the St. John's from the Blue Justice series. Finally we get to read about this brother! I enjoyed this fast-paced novella as well. Derek joins in the investigation of who would want Claire dead. The story takes a few twists and turns before it gets to the who-done-it. I like Claire and Derek as a couple, their chemistry was perfect and they fit well together. A very exciting conclusion that left me satisfied, but also wishing that their was more to their story!

Four exciting novella's that kept this reader entertained! If you like novella's and compilations then definitely check this out!

**I received my copy of the book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own**

TOP 10 of 2019

I did a lot of re-reading this year! Seriously, the majority of the books I read I had already read before! And honestly I enjoyed those re-reads! All favorites, and all felt like coming home or eating comfort food! But there were some new stand-outs that I enjoyed and those are what my Top 10 consist of. So here ya go:

 10. This was new for me from this author. I have read her historical fiction before, but not her contemporary with a bit of suspense. I enjoyed it very much!

9. Irene Hannon is one of my favorite suspense writers so any time she has a new one out I'm getting it!

I cheated here on #8 and picked an author I love and who is very prolific in her writing. She was very busy this year! I love each of these books so they are my #8 pick.

 

 

                                                                                

7. This author has been getting a lot of flack from her readers this year! We are all in love with this series and we all wait with baited breath for a new one to come out. She has bitten off a big challenge for 2020 and hopes to write and publish 20 books. That will bring the Psalm 23 books to a finish. I am definitely looking forward to that. I have promised myself that I will not start another one of her series until she finishes this one so I am excited for 2020. All of her other books are just as fantastic so I am excited to jump into another series when this one is finished.






6. Once again, this is an author that I automatically grab when she comes out with a new book! This was definitely a favorite this year and I look forward to more books in the series...at least one more I hope!



5. Once again Susan Sleeman is a very prolific writer and came out with several books in 2019. I loved every one of them and so they claim my #5 spot. If Susan's name is on the book then I am going to read it! I've not been disappointed in her suspense or her characters!

4. Tosca Lee is a favorite author as well and I am loving this series! This is the 2nd book in the series and was quite the thriller!

3. Anything Julie Lessman y'all! Every year she is in my Top 10 and most of the time in my top 3. This one is a Christmas novella, but it was a great read. I love her spiritual lessons and also her real-to-life characters. 

2. If you have never read author Holly Schindler then you MUST pick up one of her books! Again this is an author that is consistently in my top 10 favorites. The Art of the Kiss explored snapshots of an older couple's life and just resonated with me!

1. Beautiful setting, beautifully written! I loved everything about this book! If you haven't read Keturah(the first book in the series) then you must remedy that and then get this one. I can't wait until Selah comes out! 

There you have it! My Top 10 on 2019! I reached my Goodreads goal of reading 65 books, I hope to set my goal for 70 in 2020. If you have a Top 10 list I would love to see it. Leave me a link in the comments and I will come visit your blog and see what you are reading! 

I hope you have a fantastic 2020 and a wonderful year of reading some fabulous books!