Read with Us 2020: A Book Nominated for an Award in 2020

So ... in August, my sister Steph and I decided to pick the "book nominated for an award in 2020" category of the MMD Reading Challenge. I had read my book back in June, and she read hers and wrote up her review ... and then I totally forgot to post this! Oops 🤷

(As always, clicking the book titles will send you to Amazon. These are affiliate links.)

Steph's Pick: It's Not Supposed To Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst (finalist for the Christian Book Award in the audiobook category)

Lysa walks readers through how to find a soft place to land as they navigate life. Humans are always trying to control the outcomes in our lives, and she addresses what happens when reality doesn’t meet our expectations. Lysa wants readers to make sure they are connecting to God instead of the way we think things should be. But as Lysa points out, sometimes to get your life back, you must face the death of what you thought would be. I strongly recommend listening to the audio book. Having the author read her own words takes the guesswork out of connotation and intent. It’s both thought provoking and timely – as no one’s 2020 is turning out the way they thought it would. (You do need to read a pdf, so it's not 100% audio, but the pdf is included.)  4-1/2 stars. 

Becky's Pick: Just One Kiss by Courtney Walsh (finalist for the Inspy Award in the contemporary romance/romantic suspense category & finalist for the Christy Award in the contemporary romance category)

I was honored once again to be a judge for the Inspy Awards, and Just One Kiss was one of the three finalists in the category I judged. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book, as I'd only read one other of Walsh's books in the past, and this book made me realize just how much I enjoy her writing style! (Girlfriend loves the parenthesis, as do I 😉)

Just One Kiss is the story of Carly and Josh, high school sweethearts who broke up following the birth of their son Jaden and had minimal contact in the following years. But when Jaden has a medical emergency, Josh returns to town ... and let's just say the sparks are still there!

I was absolutely captivated by the novel. The second chance romance angle was done really well, and I enjoyed the glimpse we got of Carly & Josh's past. And those kisses! Plus, there's a heartbreaking and thought-provoking subplot involving abuse that is really well done. All in all, a great read! 4-1/2 stars.

Have you read either of these books? What did you think? 

Be sure to join us in ... just a few days 😂 ... when we're back to tell you about our September reads!

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