Review: A Love Letter Life by Jeremy and Audrey Roloff

A Love Letter Life by Jeremy and Audrey Roloff

Publication Date: April 2, 2019

My rating: ★★★★★

“One thing we wholeheartedly agreed on was that love wouldn’t just happen to us. We had to pursue it.”

I adore Jeremy and Audrey and I adored this book! These two write so wonderfully and descriptive that it made me crave all the fall things and want to pack my bags and move on up to Oregon. Of course that wasn't the point of this book, but it was a bonus!

Having seen bits and pieces of Jeremy and Audrey's love story over the years on Little People Big World, it was nice to read their full story in this book, with alternating perspectives. One thing I LOVED about this book is learning how creative these two have been and still are in writing their story. They believe in adventure and their intentionality in their marriage is inspiring! Jeremy and Audrey are both sentimental in the best way and that shows in the traditions they keep (letter writing 💌, visiting their trestle, handmade gifts, etc.) Here is my absolute favorite quote from this book (besides the one above) ⬇️

“It was refreshing to be with someone who complemented my nonconformity rather than someone who poked fun at my silly aspirations.”

YASS. There's so much goodness in that quote. I love that Jeremy and Audrey keep God at the center of their marriage and lives, and with that means they aren't going to conform to everything the world and society tells them they should do (or think or act or dress). I love this line because it displays how great it is to find someone who you can be 100% yourself around and you don't feel judged or looked down upon. THIS is what marriage should be, folks!

This book is for everyone no matter your relationship status. I loved all the ideas I got from this book for my own marriage and I will most definitely have my husband read this ASAP!  I could keep going about what I loved about this book, but I should probably stop at some point. If I haven't made it clear enough, get this book!! 💗

Review: Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Publication Date: November 12, 2013

My rating: ★★★★

I loved this book! 💖 For some reason, the letter writing format of this book made me nostalgic. I read a lot of letter/chat books (the TTYL series, anyone?) when I was younger so that in itself made me v happy.

I was impressed with all the Jane Austen references...though I admittedly didn't fully understand them all. I'm a huge reader but I don't read classics that much. It was nice to hear Sam's perspective in her letters throughout the book and see her connect with people who finally understand her (of course going through some duds first!) 

There were some subtle mentions of God and faith in this book, which I loved! I liked that Sam touched on her faith here and there, and we got to see her grow in that aspect. I have to say the ending felt a bit random, for lack of a better word. It seemed a little abrupt BUT I'm glad it ended the way it did. 4 stars for this one! 

Review: The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

Publication Date: August 7, 2018

My rating: ★★★★★

Can I just throw it out there that there needs to be a follow up to this? I NEED a continuation of the story that is Jonah and Calla. 

Y'all I LOVED this book! I love that it took place in Alaska. The rustic, Alaskan setting is one I know so little about, just like Calla, so it was nice to read a story set in a different (for me at least) place. Calla's character was really fun and her obsession with social media was unfortunately very in tune with society today. I loved the overall theme in this story that there are more important things in life than the internet/social media. I think this is such an important thing for us to remember, so I appreciate this book touching on that!

The characters Calla comes to know as a second family in Alaska are so intriguing. Calla's dad Wren with his quiet confidence, Jonah with his sarcasm and constant banter with Calla, and all the other neighbors and co-workers who treat each other like family more than friends. I WAS a little worried this book would just follow the typical city girl meets small town boy story, but this story is anything but typical!

I could go on but I will save you from reading more so you can go pick up the book! :)

Book Review: In Between by Jenny B. Jones

In Between by Jenny B. Jones

Publication Date: April 15, 2007

My rating: ★★★★

This book was super sweet! It is definitely a middle grade (or early-ish high school) book, which I've found I love to read!

I typically don't love the teen angst theme in books (or movies for that matter). I feel like a lot of stories can take the "I hate my parents" theme way too far, and it's unrealistic and annoying. However, Katie Parker, our protagonist in this story, is... justifiably angsty. Does that even make sense!? Probably not. 

Katie has been living in a home for girls, and we meet her as she is being driven to go live with her new foster parents. We get to see this story play out from Katie's perspective, and she's so funny! If you were ever a teenage girl, you can relate to a lot of her feelings towards her surroundings. I was surprised at how funny I found Katie to be.

I really enjoyed the faith aspect of this story. Katie's foster parents turn out to be, naturally, a pastor and his wife! Her foster parents were very understanding of Katie's past and her reluctance to their faith. They let Katie come into her faith on her own, which I think a lot of people would appreciate.

The story fell flat for me towards the end a little bit. Not sure if I just got tired of the story itself or if I just got distracted by other books I started reading (I really gotta stop reading multiple books at a time but we know I never will!). This story still gets 4 stars from me. Check it out!

Book Review: The Art of Southern Charm by Patricia Altschul

The Art of Southern Charm by Patricia Altschul
Publication Date: April 18, 2017

My rating: ★★★★

*Happy sigh*

I picked this book up because I am a HUGE fan of the show Southern Charm on Bravo, and if you know the show then you know the lovely Patricia Altschul. (PS if you don't know the show, check it out! It's one of my favorite reality shows of all time.)

Patricia is such an elegant woman and the way she lives her life reflects that. There is so much great advice packed in this book; whether you're curious about how to dress, how to host a party, even some great books to read, and a ton more. Patricia definitely lives her life in a more traditional, elegant way that the world seems to have forgotten. I think there is a lot to be said about acting like a lady. I also loved hearing about Patricia's early life and the way things were when she had her son Whitney (who we all know and love/hate on Southern Charm).

There are a couple things about this book that I found unrealistic, which is the reason for 4 stars and not 5. For example, Patricia has a butler and assistants to do a lot of her organizing and admin tasks. Not a lot of people have this luxury and there were moments while reading this book where I felt a bit of a disconnect between things she says that should be done in life/around the house and the fact that she is not actually doing them herself. I can't fault Patricia for this though- I think a lot of people would have a butler and assistants if they had the opportunity! I still just love Patricia's attitude towards life in general.

I definitely recommend this book if you're curious about the way Patricia lives or want to hear about the traditional and elegant way of life. :)