The Prayer Box (Carolina Heirlooms #1) by Lisa Wingate

Book Description:
When Iola Anne Poole, an old-timer on Hatteras Island, passes away in her bed at ninety-one, the struggling young mother in her rental cottage, Tandi Jo Reese, finds herself charged with the task of cleaning out Iola’s rambling Victorian house.

Running from a messy, dangerous past, Tandi never expects to find more than a temporary hiding place within Iola’s walls, but everything changes with the discovery of eighty-one carefully decorated prayer boxes, one for each year, spanning from Iola’s youth to her last days. Hidden in the boxes is the story of a lifetime, written on random bits of paper—the hopes and wishes, fears and thoughts of an unassuming but complex woman passing through the seasons of an extraordinary, unsung life filled with journeys of faith, observations on love, and one final lesson that could change everything for Tandi. 

______________________________________________

The Prayer Box, is a beautiful and touching story. I will admit, that at first, I was not into it. I did not care for the main character and wasn't sure the book would be for me. However, it had such great reviews, that I decided to hang in there and give it a go. I am so glad that I did! This novel slowly lured me in and hooked me! I came to care for and root for the main character, and especially touched by the  prayer box prayers and the woman who wrote them. In fact, it is her life that still lingers on my mind.

This novel has wonderful food for thought, for your soul. These truths should take root and bear fruit in your life.  So glad I picked this one up! Looking forward to reading more novels by Lisa Wingate!

Oceans Apart by Karen Kingsbury

Book Description:
A riveting story of secret sin and the healing power of forgiveness. Airline pilot Connor Evans and his wife, Michele, seem to be the perfect couple living what looks like a perfect life. Then a plane goes down in the Pacific Ocean. One of the casualties is Kiahna Siefert, a flight attendant Connor knew well. Too well. Kiahna’s will is very clear: before her seven-year-old son, Max, can be turned over to the state, he must spend the summer with the father he’s never met, the father who doesn’t know he exists: Connor Evans. Now will the presence of one lonely child and the truth he represents destroy Connor’s family ? Or is it possible that healing and hope might come in the shape of a seven-year-old boy?

__________________________________________________

This story pulled me in, and in all honesty, I found it very difficult to set it down. This is one of those novels that lingers on your mind while you step away from its' pages and one that will linger with you long after you have turned the last page.

Heartfelt, moving and compelling, all aptly describe this novel. Peppered with truths and lessons on love, forgiveness, sacrifice and second chances, there is plenty to minister to and speak to your soul.

While this is a fantastic novel, that I highly encourage you to read. I will say there were a few things that felt a little unrealistic to me, (ex. - the legalities were sort of skipped over in ways, that I don't see possible in real life). However, the emotions and other aspects of the novel felt very real. I definitely needed a tissue a time or too! Not that this is a depressing novel, in fact, it will leave you with a smile upon your face and heart. Well done!

The Sunken Realm (Eyes of E'veria Book 4) by Serena Chase

Book Description:
She is an outcast among knights 
Her reputation in ruins, her knighthood revoked, and her future bleak, Erielle de Gladiel would have welcomed death as her due. Captured by pirates, she was beaten, whipped, branded a thief—and worse—and then set adrift to die. She did not expect—or even want—to be rescued. Especially not by the dashing blasted pirate now calling himself her husband. 

He is the King of Pirates 
His oath satisfied and his Legacy secured, Cazien vows vengeance on all who harmed Erielle. But before he can hunt them down, a strange visitor appears with an urgent message—a message that aligns with prophecy Erielle has written in her sleep: The Seahorse Pirates must reach Nirista before the famed Tournament of the Twelve . . . or hundreds of stolen children will die. 

Together, they are relentless 
With the fate of many resting upon them, Cazien and Erielle sail to Nirista. Once there, they are forced to follow separate paths to achieve their aims. Treacheries are uncovered and allies are gained, but in the shadows, a hidden foe plots a grievous betrayal that could shatter not only their hope, but the Seahorse Legacy itself. 

The epic conclusion of this series-within-a series, The Sunken Realm sweeps Erielle and Cazien along a pulse-pounding voyage to discover all they are meant to become, together. Giving subtle nods to several fairy tales, including an unexpected twist to the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, this romantic YA pirate adventure is the final novel in the Eyes of E’veria series . . . but the Seahorse Pirates and their friends in E’veria may yet have stories to tell.

____________________________________________

What a fantastic adventure awaits you within the pages of this novel! It is a thrilling journey, with characters you will love, moments that will move you and keep you on the edge of your seat, and deeper truths to be imparted. To say I eagerly awaited the release of this novel, would be putting it mildly. I took the time to reread Book 3 prior and I am glad I did, so that Erielle and Cazien's story was fresh upon my mind. I have loved this whole series, and feared that the conclusion would fall short, instead it exceeded my expectations! Bravo, Serena Chase!

I have to say, that once the story and relationship progressed, I loved seeing the way Cazien loved Erielle; the way he honored her. In a way that is beautiful and one in which we would all like to find ourselves. Seeing their interactions and banter throughout the novel was also another high point in the novel, along with watching them mature and grow as individuals and as a couple. I could in fact, go on many, many more adventures with these two. So, while I would be so open to journeying with them more, I can absolutely say that at the same time, this novel had a VERY satisfying conclusion! Loved it!