Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes

Book Description

Lucy Clairmont's family treasured the magic of the past, and her childhood fascination with stories of the high seas led her to become a marine archaeologist. But when tragedy strikes, it's Dashel, an American forensic astronomer, and his knowledge of the stars that may help her unearth the truth behind the puzzle she's discovered in her family home.

Two hundred years earlier, the seeds of love are sown between a boy and a girl who spend their days playing in a secret sea cave, while the privileged young son of the estate looks on, wishing to join. As the children grow and war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, a story of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption unfolds, held secret by the passage of time.

As Lucy and Dash journey to a mysterious old estate on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.

My thoughts:

I’m not sure I can find the words to adequately describe just how beautifully written this novel is.  If you have had the pleasure of reading any of this authors work, you already know she is truly gifted.  In this dual time line novel she has crafted an amazing story with incredible characters.  This book should be read slowly because you do not want to miss one single word that she has written. That was difficult for me to do because I am a fast reader but I truly had to slow down or I found myself going back to read certain paragraphs again.

I loved the strong sense of family and friends throughout but what I loved most of were the finely crafted characters that will stay with me for a long time  This was a perfect book to read to escape the heat and everything that is going on in the world right now.  Amanda Dykes is an incredible storyteller and one of my must-read authors.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.  All onions are my own.

Line by Line (Love Along the Wires #1) by Jenifer Delamere

Book Description

Years of hard work enabled Douglas Shaw to escape a life of desperate poverty--and now he's determined to marry into high society to prevent reliving his old circumstances. But when Alice McNeil, an unconventional telegrapher at his firm, raises the ire of a vindictive co-worker, he must choose between rescuing her reputation and the future he's always planned.

My thoughts:

What a fantastic start to the new series Love Along the Wires by Jennifer Delamere.  I loved the story of Alice McNeil and Douglas Shaw; she is a young telegrapher who is far more interested in a career than  l marriage and children while he is concerned with his social standing and desperately wants to marry into high society.  That’s one of the many things I loved about this storyline because in most novels the situations are reversed. 

There was only one character in the story that I didn’t like but he is supposed to be unlikeable, so kudos to the author for crafting him perfectly because I truly found him to be so annoying.  I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the other characters and am anxious to read their stories as the series progresses.  I found this to be a delightful and well written novel, full of humor, hard working delightful characters with a sweet romance.  If you are a fan of historical romance novels you will want to get a copy of this one.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

The Melody of the Mulberries by Tonya Jewel Blessing review +GIVEAWAY

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Melody of the Mulberries
(Big Creek Series, #2)
By Tonya Jewel Blessing
Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 248 Pages
September 1, 2019 by Capture Books

This sequel to The Whispering of the Willows is set in the late 1920s' Appalachia, where granny witches and spiritualism often show the path for wanderers to take, especially in matters of the heart.

This Big Creek sequel follows the lives and loves of two siblings. Coral determines to visit the family's nemesis, Charlie, now in prison for the rape of her sister, Emerald, and the murder of her inlaw. When Mercy re-enters brother Ernest's life, he has already found a new attraction in his elder brother's widow.

Coral sat in contemplation under a mulberry tree. It was spring, and the fragrant female blossoms promised the mid-summer arrival of first white, then pink, then crimson, and finally deep purple berries. The white berries were hard and tart and enjoyed by the quail, wild turkeys, mocking birds, and blue jays. The blackish purple berries were soft and sweet - perfect for pies and jams.

When the berries turned white, Coral would thank the good Lord for providing food for the birds. When the berries ripened she would thank the good Lord for the sweetness savored in her mouth and curse the birds for wanting more than their share.

Where Emerald Ashby's story leaves us in the last pages of The Whispering of the Willows, sixteen-year-old Coral Ashby's story begins. Like the changing mulberries, Appalachian siblings Coral and Ernest Ashby, navigate life through the late 1920s. Coral is determined to visit the family nemesis, Charlie, who now stews in prison.

When Ernest's previous love interest, Mercy, returns to the holler of Big Creek, she discovers that his heart is now singing a melody for Charlotte, the older Ashby brother's widow. But Mercy has brought along her own spiritual tools and a special friend who guides her way.

Accompanied by friends and foes, matters of the heart complicate life for Coral and Ernest. Relationships must be journeyed carefully.

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My thoughts:

I have enjoyed books about the Appalachians so I was very interested in reading this one especially since Tonya Jewel Blessing is a new to me author. As I had no expectations as to the authors writing, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this novel.

The characters were interesting as was the storyline but probably one of my favorite parts are the folklore at the beginning of each chapter, they made me smile and I find myself thinking about them after having finished the book.  I will say that at times the pace was slow but after awhile I was fine with it because it made me think and take my time while getting involved in the story.  

There is a bit of humor, faith and wonderful characters to keep the reader engaged while relaxing in your favorite reading spot.I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more of the authors work.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Other Books in the Series

The Whispering of the Willows
(Big Creek Series, #1)
By Tonya Jewel Blessing
Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 396 Pages
February 2, 2016 by Capture Books

Young Emie isn't desperate for a man, but she is surrounded by a variety of them in the Appalachian holler of Big Creek. How does a young girl find her way, and grow strong, when life begins to spin out of control?

A 1920s' saga of Emerald Ashby coming of age.

Set against the superstitions and old time religion in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, author Tonya Jewel Blessing tells a difficult, yet redemptive story of a blossoming young woman who is accompanied by her friends and her foes on a journey towards hope and healing. Love weaves through gut-wrenching circumstances and dismal poverty where Emerald Ashby grows strong despite grievous wrongs committed against her. In this desperate historical setting, mysterious disappearances lead to traps set for the innocent.

Now, when key individuals begin carving out a rescue plan, Emerald Ashby sets a few of her own traps. It's a page turner. In this ailing town. What will be their measure of success?

Cleverly suspenseful and sweetly spoken, the storyteller's unassuming voice transforms an Appalachian trail of tears into holy terror against an evil that stalks the innocent. In The Whispering of the Willows, an Appalachian marriage practice might be compared to the modern sex trade which exploits young females.

Not since Catherine Marshall's strong heroine named Christy, has an Appalachian drama come to life like The Whispering of the Willows.

Includes: Bibliography and Book Club Questions. A novel for women examining the Old Time Religion. Coming of age in the Southern Appalachians. If you love a story where the underdog surfaces and thrives, you'll love this story.

Praise for the Book

Best book I have read in a while. Didn't want it to end. Great and different story line. - Christine

This is a fantastic book that had me examining my own personal spiritual journey. Kudos to the author for writing such a heartfelt, inspiring work. - Verified Amazon Reader

I absolutely loved the characters and the story. Their faith in God helped them through the trials they faced. The story is engrossing and very believable. Hope this book is a winner for the author. - Verified Purchaser

"The story is emotionally gripping and pulls the reader along to see what will happen next. The best stories grab our emotions and don’t let go." - Judge's Commentary from 24th Annual Writer’s Digest Book Awards

The Whispering of the Willows is an inspiring story full of twists and turns, freedom and redemption, the expected and unexpected. This book brings to light the struggles of young woman past and present. God’s goodness and provision flow from each page. - Linda Bottoms, Rocky Mountain Ministry Network Women’s Ministries Director

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About the Author

Tonya Jewel Blessing
National/International Speaker, Published Author, Co-Founder/Director Strong Cross Ministries

Tonya grew up in rural Ohio. She currently lives in South Africa with her husband of 35 years. Tonya decided to trust Jesus for the destination of her young soul at the age of four. As a young adult, she worked for a well known television evangelist, and traveled with a Christian drama group throughout the Midwest.

Tonya attended Arapahoe Community College and Akron University, and has enjoyed a trusted position in formal and informal ministry settings and training opportunities. Tonya also worked as a children’s pastor, youth pastor, and women’s pastor. She served on staff at Praise Church in Littleton, Colorado for a number of years, and also worked as the Director of Women’s Ministries for Journey Church in Strasburg, Colorado. She has served on a number of ministry boards that support concerns for women.

Tonya and her husband operated Strong Cross Ranch Colorado for over eleven years, a place of respite for missionaries and ministers. They had the honor of hosting over 2,000 guests during that time frame. The Blessings relocated their ministry to South Africa in June of 2012. The ministry continues to serve and partner with local pastors and missionaries through a variety of creative and responsible means. The Blessings oversee building projects, feeding programs, educational services, interventions, and church planting.

Tonya is a well-known national and international speaker, often serving women in areas of the world which cannot be publicized. She writes articles and devotionals for missions’ magazines and women’s groups and is also a published author. She is the author of two historical fiction books The Whispering of the Willows and The Melody of the Mulberries. Both novels are set in Big Creek, West Virginia, during the late 1920’s. Tonya has also co-authored a devotional called Soothing Rain – Living Water to Refresh Your Soul. All three of Tonya’s books have received literary awards.

Tonya enjoys speaking and sharing her life with women at retreats and events. She thinks that women are amazing, and appreciates that the female gender is multifaceted yet fragile creations of God. In her personal life and as a speaker, Tonya believes that God’s Word is powerful, and needs to be read and written on her heart and on the hearts of women everywhere. For additional information, please review her author and ministry webpage: www.TonyaJewelBlessing.com

She was ordained in 2011 and is currently pursuing further pastoral and biblical studies. For additional information regarding Strong Cross Ministries South Africa, please visit the ministry web page – www.strongcrossministries.org

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $30 Amazon Gift Card
Open internationally (to those who can use one of Amazon's branches)
Ends July 1, 2020

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Afraid of the Light by Cynthia Ruchti

Book Description

She helps others manage their desperate lives--but who will help her? Clinical psychologist Camille Brooks isn't put off by the lifestyle of her hoarding clients. After all, she lost her mother to the crippling anxiety disorder. She'll go a long way to help others avoid the same pain and loss.

Despite Camille's expertise, her growing audience for her Let in the Light podcast, and the national recognition she's gaining for her creative coaching methods, there are some things she isn't prepared for. A client who looks far too much like her mom catches her off guard. And the revelation that she's also hoarding something sends her spinning.

Can she stand to let the light into her own life with the help of a friend who wants to stand by her for life and the God who created and loves her? Or will she find that defeating her demons proves too much to bear?

Afraid of the Light is an amazing novel that tackles the disorder of hoarding.  I wasn’t sure if I would like this book but after a couple of chapters, I absolutely loved it. Ms. Ruchti managed to shed light on this anxiety disorder by writing a touching story of people who are affected and also the family who love them.

My thoughts:

Afraid of the Light is an amazing novel that tackles the disorder of hoarding.  I wasn’t sure if I would like this book but after a couple of chapters, I absolutely loved it. Ms. Ruchti managed to shed light on this anxiety disorder by writing a touching story of people who are affected and also the family who love them.

This is a novel where you will take your time reading each and every word to make sure you understand what it takes for someone to get through this with the help of a professional.  It’s a very moving, insightful and well written novel. I highly recommend this book.  I received a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

At Love's Command (Hanger's Horsemen #1) by Karen Witemeyer

Book Description

Ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries who defend the innocent, but when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they seek out help from Dr. Josephine Burkett. When Josephine's brother is abducted and she is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.

My thoughts:

I have been a Karen Witemeyer for quite a while and have loved her writing, looking forward to each book that she has released.  So needless to say, I was super excited to get a copy of her newest novel which is the first book in her new series.  

I liked the premise of a woman doctor in the 1800’s but unfortunately it took a long time before I got interested in the storyline.  There are some moments that were interesting, some of the characters were likeable, there is plenty of action and I almost didn’t finish reading it.  However, I did keep reading it and I’m glad that I did because all of the characters became ones that I genuinely liked.  I think the slow build up is due to the fact that At Love’s Command is the first book in the series and the author took time introducing her readers so we can look forward to finding out what life has in store for them in future novels.

This is a Christian fiction novel but there is also a lot of gun violence which was part of the storyline so this one may not be suitable for young readers. I received a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Cross Shadow by Andrew Huff Blog Tour + GIVEAWAY

About the book:

All journalist Christine Lewis wants is the truth. All pastor John Cross wants is to avoid it.
Former CIA agent turned evangelical pastor John Cross is busy caring for the small community of believers he ministers to in Virginia. Journalist Christine Lewis is busy with the demand for her talents from top news agencies in New York City. Neither has any time left for their relationship, which began eight months before when they paired up to prevent the detonation of a chemical bomb in the nation's capital.

But when Christine hears that her stepbrother has been arrested for murder in Texas, they team u again to discover the truth about the crime. Untangling a web of conspiracy, the couple finds themselves in the center of another dangerous situation-and in trouble far deeper than they expected.
With an assassin on the loose, a trusted colleague acting as a double agent, and unreliable artificial intelligence connected to mercenaries who have Cross on their hit list, these two may not get out of the Lone Star State alive.

You can watch the book trailer Here

My thoughts:

This is the second book in the series and could probably be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the first book, A Cross to Kill to get to know John Cross.  I have been intrigued with the premise of this series and even more so in this novel because John is more developed which made him more likable to me.


I enjoy action packed stories occasionally and Mr. Huff certainly didn’t disappoint, he definitely delivers and blends it perfectly with suspense and a relationship with Christine Lewis.  I look forward to seeing how their relationship grows and what John will get involved in next.  I have a feeling it will be another exciting, story that will keep me reading late into the night.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through I Read With Audra.  All opinions ae my own.

About the Author

Huff spent ten years in local church ministry as a youth pastor and creative arts pastor before pursuing God’s calling into
creative storytelling and media production as the product director at Igniter Media, a church media company(ignitermedia.com).
He is a two-time finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Genesis Contest for unpublished authors 2014, 2017) and also won the best screenplay award at the 2015 48 Hour Film Festival in Richmond, VA. A Cross to Kill and Cross Shadow in the Shepherd Suspense series are his first releases.
Huff holds a bachelor of science in religion degree from Liberty University and a master of arts in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary. He resides in Plano, TX, with his beautiful wife, Jae, and their two boys.

Learn more Andrew Huff and the Shepherd Suspense novels HERE

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What Others Are Saying

“In the tradition of Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti, Cross Shadow is a strong, taut thriller that retains a Christian sense of optimism and hope while acknowledging the existence of great evil in the world. Huff raises the stakes on every page all the way through the white-knuckle finale—like watching an action movie through the written word.” ~ Kyle Mann, editor in chief of The Babylon Bee and author of How to Be a Perfect Christian “Andrew Huff’s writing is as fast-paced and tight as his enticing story lines. Masterfully balancing a well-developed plot with a cast of characters you feel like you’ve known forever, Huff creates one page-turner after another in his Shepherd Suspense trilogy. He may be a new author, but his talented word-spinning is anything but novice and will linger long in the reader’s subconscious.” ~ Betsy St. Amant Haddox, author of All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes CLICK HERE TO ENTER

The CEO, The Puppy and Me by Jennifer Faye Blog Tour- Review +GIVEAWAY

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The CEO, the Puppy and Me

(The Bartolini Legacy #2)

By Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages

June 1st 2020 by Harlequin Romance

Has the search for her past…

…guided her toward her future?

Gia Bartolini’s determinedly searching for her real father. First stop on the enchanting Italian island of Lapri? A mysterious abandoned mansion…where, rescuing a trapped puppy, she falls straight into the arms of alluring Riccardo Moretti! Her passion for the all-business CEO burns bright, leaving Gia with a question: In uncovering her true roots, has fate led her to true love?

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My thoughts:

What a relaxing, sweet and romantic read this novel is.  I have been waiting to read this book after finishing the first one in the series, The Prince and the Wedding Planner. It's easy to get caught up in the lives of the Bartolini family as they discovered that one of the three siblings was fathered by another man and once the information is received it makes for an intriguing storyline as plans are made to find the father.  Gia is a wonderful character and I loved traveling with her in her quest to find her biological father, I loved the time I spent with Ricardo Moretti, the CEO and I adored the puppy.  Yes, I am a huge animal lover and if you put a puppy as sweet as Gin in the story than of course I will love not only him but his humans as well.

This book is filled with loving, caring and warm characters that show you don't have to be related by blood to be family.  There's room in our hearts to love and accept every living creature on earth both human and animal.  I was happy to see  Gia to remain a strong, independent woman no matter what she came her way in life.  This is a wonderful fast-paced and delightful read.  

I received a complimentary copy through Prism Book Tours.  All opinions are my own.

GO TO JENNIFER'S CONTACT PAGE HERE and order your bookmark(s)!

Other Books in the Series

The Prince and the Wedding Planner

(The Bartolini Legacy #1)

By Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages

March 1st 2020 by Harlequin Romance

When different worlds collide…

…sparks fly!

With her family name on the line, wedding planner Bianca Bartolini needs this royal wedding to go perfectly—she can’t afford distractions. Too bad the bride’s dashing brother has other plans! Duty-bound Crown Prince Leo has mere weeks to announce his own engagement, but none of the candidates measure up to Bianca. They’re the most unlikely match, but might that just make them perfect for one another?

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And coming in September...

The Italian's Unexpected Heir

(The Bartolini Legacy #3)

By Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages

September 1st 2020 by Harlequin Romance

Her baby surprise proves…

…that one night will never be enough!

Reeling from the secrets that have torn his heritage apart, Enzo Bartolini is set on selling his family’s Tuscan vineyard and trying to forget the impulsive, dazzling night he and best friend Sylvie shared in Paris. While the sale moves forward, the thrilling awareness between him and Sylvie is harder to move past…especially when she upends Enzo’s world by revealing she’s carrying his baby!

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About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

  

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TOUR SCHEDULE

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of THE PRINCE AND THE WEDDING PLANNER, winner's choice of print (US only) or ebook

Open internationally

Ends June 17, 2020

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A Gilded Lady (Hope and Glory, #2) by Elizabeth Camden

Book Description

Secretary to the first lady of the United States, Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of high society--but is hiding a terrible secret. Immediately suspicious of Caroline, but also attracted to her, secret service agent Nathaniel Trask must battle his growing love for her as the threat to the president rises and they face adventure, heartbreak, and danger.

My thoughts:


I have been looking forward to reading this book for a couple of reasons, first I loved the first book in the series, The Spice King but most of all it’s because I absolutely love anything written by Ms. Camden.   Reconnecting with the Delacroix was much better than I had anticipated and I loved each and every moment I spent with this entertaining family and the exciting lives they lived.


Caroline Delacroix is the secretary to Ida McKinley, who I knew very little about until I started reading this novel. As first lady of the United States, Ida was pretty demanding but given the circumstances of her health it was understandable.  Caroline is a strong, intelligent, energetic young woman who meets any challenge head on and she has many challenges not only in the White House but in her personal life.  Speaking of her personal life she is doing everything she can to help her twin brother Luke when she’s faced with yet another challenge.  Nathaniel Trask is the new head of security and he needs to keep track of everyone and everything going on around President McKinley. 

This does not set well with Caroline which leads to friction and some clever dialog between her and Nathaniel. Rich in history, with a lot of intrigue, a wonderful romance and delightful  characters made this one of my favorite books this year.  It’s going to be hard to wait until the next book is released but I can reread the first two books in the series while I wait. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley.   All opinions are my own.

Stories That Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner

Book Description

Betty Sweet is still recovering from the loss of her husband when she becomes the temporary guardian of a five-year-old nephew she never knew she had. As they struggle to move forward, they build a relationship upon the foundation of storytelling and its special kind of magic.

My thoughts:

Ms. Finkbeiner writes stories where you feel you are in the middle of everything that is happening in her novels. She makes you feel like you are part of the family which she has done this once again in Stories That Bind Us.  In this book I spent time with the Sweet family.  Betty is living a life she loves in 1960’s, Michigan with her husband Norman and in-laws she absolutely adores.  Suddenly her life changes drastically when she finds herself widowed at the age of 40. The reader gets to know Norman through memories and stories shared by the family.  

Throughout this compelling book we meet various family members, discover family secrets, see how difficult mental health issues are on both a patient and those who love them.  More than that we find out that happiness and forgiveness can be restored to those who never thought it could happen in their lives.  This was an emotional read for me, at times I wiped away the tears but there were plenty of times that I smiled as I got to know the incredible characters in Stories That Bind Us.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own

Lizzie's Heart by Susan Lantz Simpson

About the book

Fall in Southern Maryland’s Amish country is a time of fiery falling leaves, a bountiful harvest, and bracing, frost-touched days. It’s the perfect season for one irrepressible maidel to try an unexpected match . . .

Good-hearted and impulsive, twenty-year-old Lizzie Fisher has many chores—and secrets. She’s caring for kittens abandoned by their mother and practicing her drawing talent away from disapproving eyes. So the last thing she needs is someone like handsome Stephen Zimmerman constantly “helping” her out of trouble. But when she discovers they both have lovelorn siblings, she has an idea: why can’t she and Stephen bring his older brother and her older sister together? After all, how hard could matchmaking be?

Even though he’s the youngest son of an Old Order Mennonite family, Stephen is used to looking out for everyone else. Yet somehow the romantic schemes he and Lizzie cook up keep going awry—in ways that hint they may suit each other. But their deepening bond is both delightful and complicated. For bridging their differences will take bravery, compromise—and faith in their hopes and dreams . . .

My thoughts:

I am a fan of the books written by Ms. Simpson for a couple of reasons, first of all her novels are filled with sweet. Likable characters and secondly, I am very familiar with the Sothern Maryland Amish because I live nearby and visit quite frequently.  I always feel like I’m visiting friends when I read a book penned by this author.

After having read Lizzie’s Heart I can honestly say this is my favorite book that I’ve read by Ms. Simpson. Lizzie Fisher is sweet, charming and truly has a kind heart for animals and freely gives her time to help others in her community and her family.  I thoroughly enjoyed the friendship Lizzie had with an Old Order Mennonite family, Stephen Zimmerman and his mother. I felt like I really knew the Fisher and Zimmerman families and loved spending time with them. There is warmth, love and plenty to smile about. 

Overall, I though this was a sweet, fun read with an idyllic setting and a perfect weekend read. It was nice to escape to a peaceful place in a loving community.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.