Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

I love a good sappy romance every once in a while and this one fit the bill. While it is not my favorite book of hers, I did thoroughly enjoy reading it. The plot, as usual for her books, was totally predictable, but it was just what I needed to cleanse my palate between the heavier stuff that I read. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is looking for something quick and easy.

I would give this book 3/5 stars.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review from Blogging for Books*

Just Mercy By Bryan Stephenson

I enjoyed Stephenson's personal experience with fighting the cruel and unjust criminal system in the United States. As someone who is wholly unfamiliar with the justice system, I was shocked by the actions of our criminal system. However, I found this to be an intriguing read full of redemption and hope for the future. 

I think this is a five star book.

*I got a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.*

All These Wonders

As a HUGE fan of The Moth podcast, I really loved this book. The Moth has a way of pulling at my heart strings and making me feel so connected to all the people who willingly share their experiences. Some of these stories I had heard before, but it didn’t matter, they are stories I could read again and again. The cover was also a nice firm cardboard type material and was gorgeous as well. This is a book that is mean to be read again and again, and I surely will. 

I give this book 5/5 stars.

**I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Blogging for Books**

Misfit Faith

As a fan of Nadia Bolz-Weber, Rachel Held Evans, and Sarah Miles, all people I consider off beat (in the best way!) theologians, I was a big fan of Misfit Faith: Confessions of a Drunk Ex-Pastor by Jason J. Stellman. I really enjoy reading about anyone’s struggle for true faith and their choice to stay or leave it. Faith is so much more than about specific beliefs, it is about finding your Truth. I loved his many experiences and how those experience his faith. Misfit Faith has also made me a fan of his podcast, The Liturgists. I recommend this book for anyone who doesn’t quite fit into a certain religious box, you won’t feel so alone after.

I give this book 4.5/5 stars.

*I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books for an honest review.*

"Holding Up the Universe" by Jennifer Niven

While I enjoyed Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven, I wasn’t overly impressed with the book. Much like her previous novel, All the Bright Places, this felt forced and contrived. There are lotsof great YA novels that deal with similar topics in much better ways. But, I didn’t totally hate this book either, there were a few quotes that really stuck out to me. And, I also realize that because I am nearly twice the age of any teen who would read this book, I can’t give a totally fair review.

I give this book 2.5 out of 5 stars.

*I was given a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books for an honest review.*

Hagseed by Margaret Atwood

I thought that this was a great adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. I have never read the original, but did read a quick overview so I would have a basic understanding of the story. Atwood deftly brings this story to the modern era. Her take on revenge, retribution, and a haunting past are mesmerizing and will leave readers in awe.  I also really enjoyed the cover.

3/5 stars.

 **I received a free copy of this book from www.bloggingforbooks.com  in exchange for an honest review.**

Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle

I have loved Madeleine L’Engle from the minute I first read A Wrinkle in Time. I, too, am Episcopalian and share many of her beliefs and understanding about faith, religion, and God. This set of essays focusing on art and artists and their duties to showcase the beauty of God’s creations. She often interwove many of the qualities of each and showed how beautifully they complement each other. This book inspired me to look at the world, and my faith, a little differently.

**I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.