Review: The College Girl's Survival Guide: 52 Honest, Faith-Filled Answers to Your Biggest Concerns by Hanna Seymour

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#Sponsored by FaithWords

Where was this book when I was going to college? I didn’t have the experiences that many other women had because I worked but for those absorbed in the college life, this is a resource book to keep handy. The College Girl’s Survival Guide is filled with tips, advice, faith driven inspirations and definitely guided by the feeling of having that big sister give you wisdom to avoid making mistakes.

This book is everything and anything you could think of that might come up before, during and after. Compiled together from women asking advice from everything from classes, roomates, dating, friendships, how to deal with transitioning from your family and so much more. Such an insightful book that will not only inspire but give you the tools you need to survive to tackle everything potential obstacles that  might come your way.

Let me first say this from the start, the author wrote this book from a Christian perspective. Not preachy but throws in scriptures of inspiration. Don’t let this deter you from the book if you aren’t spiritual. She has many years of experience working with young women and gives a balanced perspective in the book that I feel is applicable to all areas of their college experience. She is positive, encouraging and really hits the nail on major situations that are relevant to young women entering college. The tagline really captures the essence of the experience of the book, “52 honest, faith-filled answers to your biggest concerns.” 

Overall, I thought this was a wonderful resourceful book. I completely agree with the author that this book doesn’t have to be read in order. You can skip around to what’s relevant to you or what topics you want to connect with. I loved the girlfriend, bestie vibe that felt like your older sister talking to you during the book. I think this would be a great read for young women to read before going to college. I’d recommend checking this out.

Review: What Blooms From Dust by James Markert

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“I learned early on that the coin was never wrong with me”

When a twister rolls through the dusty plains of 1930s Oklahoma and clips the corner of a state prison, Jeremiah Goodbye, infamously known as “The Coin-Flip Killer”, gets a second chance. After being strapped into the electric chair and bound for death, he gets only a quick jolt that seems to reseal his fate before the walls are torn from the building. Armed with a rifle and the coin that landed him in prison in the first place, he heads for his hometown of Nowhere to settle the score with the one who turned him in and married the woman he loved; his twin brother, Josiah.

On the way, he’s followed by an eight-year old boy named Peter, an abandoned victim of the Dust Bowl, and the two make their way to Nowhere together. What awaits them are the tangled mysteries of Jeremiah’s past and the secrets he buried with those bodies three years earlier. Between the waves of dust which tear regularly through the landscape, we’re able to glimpse fragments of Jeremiah’s complicated life before they’re covered just as rapidly as they appeared. Before he has time to face his own demons, things get strange a dust storm of historical proportions hits, a dust storm that would go down in history as “Black Sunday”. It pummels Nowhere with a grim black dust the likes of which the town has never seen, leaving nothing unchanged in its wake, including the citizens of Nowhere. In an unexpected redemption, Jeremiah and Peter set out to change the town’s fate and uncover the origin story which led Jeremiah to the coin all those years ago.

James Markert’s ‘What Blooms from Dust’ is an elaborate modern-day fable that tore all of my expectations to shreds. At times, it was a bit heavy handed in allegory, but that did little to hinder such an impressive narrative. With deep emotional scenes which are felt rather than just read, it’s bound to captivate anyone. A hanging suspense carried throughout the story makes this one a page-turner and before each loose thread is woven with the rest, you’ll be swept into things you never saw coming. It’s more than just a feel-good story. ‘What Blooms from Dust’ is genre fiction at its best, masterfully blending mystery, magical realism, and romance while doubling as a historical portrayal of the 1930s Midwest. This is something for every reader. Full of intrigue and hope, What Blooms from Dust will stir things in you long settled.

Review: Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

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Sharp Objects was disturbing and uncomfortable, but somehow I could not look away. By the first page, I was immediately sucked in by the gripping narrative and style. The tone feels heavy and panicky. The story itself is complex. It is unpredictable and dark.

A Chicago reporter, Camille Preaker, returns to her hometown, Wind Gap, after several years of avoiding it. She is not there to catch up with family nor friends, but instead there on business. Her editor sent her on an assignment to cover the murder of two young girls. While in Wind Gap, Camille is haunted by family secrets and complicated family relationships.  And the longer she stays in town, the harder it gets to stay away from her old habits.

I felt oddly protective over Camille, and wanted her to find her happiness. I found Camille to be a complex and broken character. She made several questionable decisions, but you cannot entirely fault her for them.

In the beginning, readers are informed that Camille had recently left a psych hospital, so you’re already feel for her. And as the story progresses, you begin to understand that Camille has had several terrible things happen to her because human begins can be cruel. And it is unfortunate, but given the circumstances, it would be hard for anyone to have a seemingly normal life if they were put in her shoes.

I was deeply invested in this character and her dysfunctional family. It was interesting to see her relationship to her mother and half-sister play out. Like the majority of the characters in the book, there was always this element that they could not be trusted lurking in the background. And as Camille interacted with all the characters, you could not help but want to lead her away from Wind Gap.  Although Camille had lived in Wind Gap growing up, she felt like an outsider and the town natives felt dangerous and mysterious. The natives had sort of a removed vibe, where as they existed in their own town and never sought to leave it behind.

I think there could be said about the parallels and contrast between Camille and her younger sister. Both sisters grew up in the same unsettling household and toxic small town. Although both sisters responded directly, it would be interesting to see those comparisons and contrasting elements and if they were done intentionally by the author.

Like mentioned earlier, Sharp Objects a very dark book and deals with heavy subject matter, including self-harm, murder, sexual themes, and child abuse. So I do understand why this book would not be for everyone. I do recommend that readers pay attention to trigger warnings, because I don’t want it to impact their mental health.  

Final Analysis

Sharp Objects is a dark, psychological story revolved around family, murder and secrets. It is wickedly disturbing that will leave readers on the edge of their seats and unable to put the book down until the very last page.

Review: Falling for You by Becky Wade

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Falling for You, was my introduction to Becky Wade. I’m a sucker for second chance romance stories but this one had another dimension to the plot that perked my interest from the beginning. To be honest, I was a bit on the fence about my feelings as I read the book. No reflection on the quality or the story but I have to LIVE through the characters in books like this to be emotionally invested in them. I don’t know, maybe because I’m spoiled by the first person perspective in books like this but I wanted to feel them instead of reading about them. No big deal, it was still a nice read. 

It wasn’t until after the book that I saw that this was the second book in The Bradford Sister Romance series. I can’t validate if you should read the first or not because this is the first book that I read but I’d read it just in case there if there’s something you need to know to stay on top of the series. I enjoyed her writing style and I thought it was a genuine, personal touch she added to the end of each chapter. There were snippets of information through texts, letters and other fun ways as an extension of the characters. She worked that in really well and it gave us a little more intimacy with the characters. 

The book was driven by two storylines. The first being the “reconnection” between Willow and Corbin. I’ll admit at first I was a little judgy reading that this was a football player and a model. I was going to give up on them (not the book) but both had experiences that affected their lives and was given a second chance to be in the right place at the right time to possibly make things right. This only happened really due to the other storyline in the book involving the disappearance of one his relatives years back. His niece discovered a box in her grandmother’s closet and wanted help in finding out what happened to her. 

Being a fan of Willow’s, not knowing that she dated Corbin, felt a connection to her and sought out her help with this mission. These two storylines blended well for a nice read that brings the readers into their lives and their journey to find the truth and a possible shot at love again.

Just to let you know that there were elements of spirituality. This is a Christian contemporary romance that has characters that their faith is incorporated in their life. There is a balance of other characters where it wasn’t a part of their life. I always like to share that with you for those of you who aren’t spiritual. Overall, it was a nice, clean romance that will leave you happy and satisfied. The other plot uncovered in the book was definitely interesting as it unfolded with some unexpected twists to that story. Like I said before, I’m not sure about the first book so read that just in case and then add this one to the list to put on the TBR. 

Review: Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter

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It’s not too far off to say that Hamilton: The Broadway Musical is one of the best musical there is. Every aspect of it is genius. So it is not surprising that the companion book is genius as well. Both casual and diehard fans will enjoy Hamilton: The Revolution. It’s an insightful look into the popular musical that does not feel dull or pointless. It is filled with so much content.

First and for most, it is a beautiful book. It is a little bit smaller and lighter than a school textbook, however, it is not as plain. It has the look of a book that could have potential been from that era. The sides of the pages are sort of ruffled on the side and have a yellow tint to them. The physical look add so much to aesthetic of the book.

Next, the content. There is around 200 plus pages of interesting and entertaining content. Photos from the Broadway musical laminates the pages. It is hard to get tickets to see Hamilton, so even a glimpse at the stage production is interesting.

A huge portion of the pages are fill with song lyrics. In addition, several lines from different songs have annotations on the side. Hamilton is not a 100% accurate portrayal of Alexander Hamilton’s life. Some details were changed by the creator. And many annotations within the lyrics provide the true account of what happened.

Another interesting things that I found was that well also focusing on the show itself, the book does take time to highlight each cast member and their contribution to the show. That was inspiring in some way.

Final Analysis

Hamilton: The Revolution is essence a user guide and companion book to the hit Broadway musical Hamilton. There is countless amount of material that is never dull or repetitive.  

Review: The Widow's Watcher by Eliza Maxwell

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I’m not sure where to begin with this book but I will tell you that I had my concerns at the beginning because I wasn’t sure where it was heading. Once we got to that lake, there was no turning back and it takes a life of its own. I don’t want to give up too much because there are some major plot points that I feel is best to experience on your own for you to enjoy the book rather than me talking about it. So, I’m going to just share my general thoughts about it without revealing too much.

The Widow’s Watcher left me feeling good but really puts you in the mind and heart of two people who have been faced with the bottom pit of despair and hopelessness. Jenna Shaw, lives with the guilt of a tragedy that changed her life. It left her empty and heart broken. Taking her to point of emotional no return, she planned and made a decision that many people in the bottom of hopelessness have done but at the last moment was stopped by someone who wasn’t going to let that go down on his watch. 


Lars, who at first seems rough around the edges, has some pain of his own. Living with his own tragedy, he saw this as a chance to give someone hope and a reason to keep living. Not at all thrilled at the intervention, they slowly become friends and let their guards down. As they share their experiences, Jenna learns about his past which fueled her curiosity to find the answers that he never got. When the truth comes out, secrets from the past shatter everything but lead their journey to redemption, forgiveness and hope.

Overall, this book turned out to be very good. The friendship that developed between Lars and Jenna and the journey to get answers for him really made this book a page turner. The beauty of their friendship was special because they saved each other which was very touching. You really understand their pain, especially through the other characters and their relationships with them. Once their journey in the book took off, I wasn’t expecting the book to head in the direction it did but as the plot is layered up, it will leave you very satisfied in the end. I’m recommending adding this to your TBR!