Until Our Time Comes

A captivating and tragic historical fiction novel about something I had never heard of. WWII has inspired many novels, but this was the first that I read that centered on the horses. An American horse trainer in Poland finds herself desperately trying to save hundred of Arabian and other pure breed horses from invading forces. Adia cares for horses more than life itself and she will do whatever it takes to do what is best for them even if it puts her in danger. Bret, a British spy has fallen madly in love with Adia but he can't convince her to leave the horses behind. Adia stays on under the watchful eyes of Nazis who want these prized Polish horses for their own breeding program, thankfully the Nazis care about the horses, but unfortunately for her, she is considered a prisoner and it is too risky to see Bret or the orphan she cared for as her own. Filled with tales of heroism, resistance, romance, and horror - this inspirational read is light on Christianity, but heavy on historical facts. Tragic but important. 

You are a Magnet

If you are young and you enjoy self-help books then don't miss this one. This almost reads as a devotional - each "chapter" (they aren't numbered) is short and comes with skills and/or activities to do after reading. This book is meant to be savored. None of the self-help mantras are totally new but I do love how the book is packaged. There were definitely some quotes and mantras that I wrote down to remember and it's a good one to refer back to you. The advice ranges from forgiveness to not fighting the current - to embracing each day as new - to cultivating what sparks joy. Each little section is impactful and it would be a good way to start each day.

Lore Olympus: Volume Six

This series is slowly trucking along and the plot is starting to reveal itself. Obviously if you've read any Greek mythology at all you know exactly what is going to happen but it is interesting to see how it plays out in this reimagined graphic novel format. The romantic tension between Hades and Persephone grows as she hides out in the Underworld from Zeus. Hera finally finds out what Apollo has over Kore, Minthe gets a bit of a backstory, and Persephone tells the truth about what happened when rage overcame her in the garden (murder - lots of murder). Fun and I eagerly await the next volume! 

Love on the Brain

I didn't know that romcoms in academia would be so fin - but I love Ali Hazelwood and I love reading about smart women. Love on the Brain is such a sweet enemies to lovers romance about two misunderstood scientists who have more in common then they imagine. It may have been a little predictable, but the banter was amazing, the slow burn was fantastic, and the ending was more than satisfying., I have got to read the rest of Ali Hazelwood's backlist! 

Almost Just Friends

A nice beach read about second chances and opening your heart. Piper hasn't had an easy life - she had to raise her two younger siblings after her parents tragically died. They have finally flown the coop and now Piper is free to think about unpausing her life and moving forward. Her goal is to fix up their grandparents property, sell it - split it three ways with her siblings, and then go to college several states away. Her well planned out future though goes poof when her siblings unexpectedly come back to Wildstone and when she catches sight of the neighbors son. Lots of drama, desire, family, and friendship. Even though it's part of a series it reads as a standalone. 

A Fate Inked in Blood

I didn't know what I was missing out on - but hot damn I need more Viking/Norse romance in my life STAT! I am so pumped that this feminist fantasy romance is the first of a series because I immediately need more. This is a slow, slow burn filled with vengeance, destiny, Norse mythology and some seriously bad ass characters. Also, this cover is gorgeous - who wouldn't want to pick this up! 

My Throat an Open Grave

When I saw people comparing this to Labyrinth it was an instant read. This dark, cottage core teen horror novel is super intriguing and the plot kept me guessing. Leah lives in a small mountain town and knows that one day she'll die there. She works part time at a gas station, goes to high school, and helps care for her baby brother. She's in an awful rut and some days wish she could just wash away in the river. When the Lord of the Woods takes her baby brother - she knows she has to go after him. The only trouble is - girls who go into the woods don't ever come back out. But, she knows it's her responsibility since he disappeared on her watch. When she finally finds the Lord of the Woods she is confused. He is a lot different then she was led to believe. She has a month to say with him in his village to pay the price for her brother. But what if the price is too high? This is the second book I have read by this author and it won't be the last!

The British Booksellers

Lots of moving parts - this inspirational WWII novel has quite a few threads to keep track of. Charlotte and Amos came from different worlds; Amos was a lowly tenant's son and Charlotte was part of the upper crust of British society. Despite that, the two enjoyed each other's company and would sneak off to the old greenhouse whenever they had a hance so they could read or Charlotte could play her cello. By the time they declare their mutual affection for each other it is too late - WWI has erupted and Charlotte has been promised to a titled man. Now decades later, the two have opened up rival bookstores and an American solicitor has come to Britain to shake things up for the former lovebirds. On top of that, war with Germany is at their doorstop. Told through multiple perspectives - this tale of love, hope, and secrets goes back in forth in time. Very good, loved the characters - just a lot to keep track of!