What is grace? Simply put, it is unmerited favor or getting what you don’t deserve. Grace is central to the Christian faith. It is the basis for our standing before God, our salvation, and forgiveness. It is something that many people have a hard time grasping. As our sense of justice cannot fathom someone not getting what they deserve. How can I be forgiven for a horrible act? Why should I show grace to someone else? The word grace is used roughly 131 times in the Bible with 124 in the New Testament. Paul, being called the apostle of grace, used the term 86 times. How can we define grace? What example do we have of grace? What is grace so hard to accept?
First, grace is unconditional. Just as God’s love for us is unconditional, He extends grace and forgiveness freely to those who seek it. While in our sinful nature, we deserve judgment, God’s grace gives us salvation and transforms our desires, motivations and behavior (Titus 2:11). There is nothing we can do to earn or deserve God’s love and forgiveness. It is not a one-time gift either. It is a continuous flow as we are imperfect and prone to marketing mistakes. It is “not a reward for good behavior, but a gift for repentant sinners,” (In The Grip of Grace). Second, grace is power for living. Paul was a powerful and influential apostle. However, he did not take credit but saw the power of God’s grace in his life (1 Corinthians 15:10). Grace is the power in our lives to help through difficult and challenging times. God tells us that his grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) and through our weakness, He makes us strong. Third, grace transforms lives and allows us to extend grace to others. It is an influence of God on our lives that works in us to change (2 Corinthians 9:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus is the embodiment of grace itself. First, in his incarnation. John 1:17 says “ For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Law and grace are important parts of God’s nature. Moses gave the people God’s law and justice while Jesus would display God’s mercy, love and forgiveness. Second, in his actions. Jesus’s interactions with others gives us examples of graciousness. From his miraculous healings to the parables, Jesus taught grace, His forgiveness of the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11), forgiving Peter after his betrayal (John 21:15-17) and the conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-19) are examples of grace’s unmerited favor, redemptive power and transformative influence. Third, with his sacrifice on the cross. Lastly, in his teachings. The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a prime example of Jesus teaching grace. In John 15:11-32, the story of the son who turned his back on his father to live a life that squandered his wealth. The son would return, expecting to beg for scraps, and found himself being welcomed with open arms. It is a beautiful image of what happens when a sinner turns to God and asks for forgiveness. We can receive free gifts all time in other forms; but accepting free grace from God is hard. Why? The world fears grace. Grace threatens those with possessions, privilege and power. Grace offers a different value system for assessing our worth than the world does. Our sinful nature fears grace and whispers to us on a daily basis that grace simply cannot be free. Because “nothing is free,” right? Through God’s grace, we are not valued based on what we have, what we do or don’t do. It is a gift. A free and clear gift. It is a generosity that the world cannot comprehend. God knows us for who we truly are, past, present and future. And yet He continuously invites us into His unending grace for healing to every hurt, empowering for daily living and transforming into who we were meant to be. All we need to do is trust and receive it. And accepting grace is a daily enterprise. It is a gift every single day. Like manna, it has to be collected fresh each day.In conclusion, grace is so simple and yet so complex. As I began this study, I thought I knew grace. I thought I would be able to effectively convey the message of grace. And yet, with numerous Scriptures at my fingertips, I struggled with the words. I struggled with doubt that I was explaining grace adequately and accurately. And I hope my words are a beginning to understanding grace and accepting it in your lives. It is with grace that we are saved through faith as a gift that we cannot achieve through works (Ephesians 2:8-9). In the words of Brennan Manning, “He comes to where I live and loves me as I am,” And yet, God will not leave you there. We are transformed by His grace and love.Sunday, June 30, 2024
Friday, June 28, 2024
Twisted Games: a slow burn, bodyguard royal romance
Twisted Games by Ana Huang is the second book in the Twisted romance series. Rhys Larsen is ex-Navy Seal and an elite bodyguard who lives by two rules. One, protect his clients at all costs and two, do not become emotionally involved. He has never broken those rules. That is until her. Bridget von Ascheberg is a princess with a stubborn streak a mile wide and a fire that would turn anyone into ash. Even a stoic bodyguard. As they spend time together, Rhys’ defenses begin to fade and they begin a mutual friendship as they ignore the growing desires flaring between them. When Bridget’s older brother abdicates the throne, she realizes she faces a loveless, politically motivated marriage and a role she never expect to have. Now she is thrust into the minefield of politics and she must hide her desire for a man she cannot have.
I loved Twisted Love and eagerly looked forward to continuing the series. Twisted Games is a slow burn, at first, then to an inferno as Rhys and Bridget eventually give in to their desires. I loved this story much more than Twisted Love, and I loved Twisted Love! Rhys is a man with a deeply painful past. Despite her confident facade, Bridget carries her own painful scars. I loved every minute of these two together as bodyguard/client, friends and then eventually lovers. There were plenty of moments of great banter, swoon worthy flirty moments and spicy scenes. While technically you do not need to read Twisted Love before reading Twisted Games; however, I highly recommend it. There is some overlap and references that make great Easter eggs but not necessary to enjoy Rhys and Bridget’s love story. If you love a slow burn romance, I highly recommend Twisted Games.Twisted Games is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
Twisted Love, book 1, is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
The Keeper of Stars: a second chance romance
The Keeper of Stars by Buck Turner is a second chance romance. In 1950, Elizabeth “Ellie” Spencer spent the summer with her aunt in a lakeside town in Tennessee where she met Jack Bennett. Their summer romance leaves her torn between her dreams and her heart. Twelve years later, Ellie has achieved her dream and works as a professor of astronomy when a mysterious package will send her back to the summer and the one that got away. Inside the package was a novel written by Jack. It tells the story of a young man and woman who meet, fall in love and are ultimately torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. Realizing that he wrote their story, she immerses herself in the story and one detail of the story has her questioning everything she knew about their relationship. The sudden death of her aunt brings her back to the lakeshore and Jack.
This book was brought to my attention by my aunt who thought it was something I would enjoy. And she was right. Described as “The Notebook meets Where the Crawdads Sing,” The Keeper of Stars is a very sweet second chance love story as Ellie and Jack are two lovers from opposite sides of the tracks and must fight opposition, expectations and time to find a way to be together. The writing was very lyrical and flowed easily. It was a page turner and easy to read as I was caught up in Ellie and Jack’s story. There are moments of drama and moments of reconciliation. It is a great story for a weekend read as it pulls you in and keeps you in the story with beautiful locations. The ending was touching and heartfelt. I loved the author’s description of the lake and the surrounding areas. I highly recommend The Keeper of Stars.The Keeper of Stars is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
Monday, June 24, 2024
Rules for Second Chances: a second chance romance
Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North is a second chance romance. Liz Lewis is an introvert in an extroverted world. In the world of wilderness expeditions, her husband, Tobin Renner-Lewis, is popular and well-liked. When she gets mistaken for a server at her own thirtieth birthday party, she vows to be a passive actor in her own life. Her plan? To gain confidence through an improv comedy class. The problem? She is bad and the only person willing to help her practice is a certain wilderness guide who is determined to save their marriage. As Liz and Tobin get close once again, she is forced to confront what didn’t work the first time and the deeper reasons for her social awkwardness. Liz is faced with a choice: the love she always wanted or chase the dreams she let get away.
I loved the idea of a second chance romance with a married couple. However, from the opening chapter, I did not connect with Liz and it didn’t improve. As someone who is introverted and married to an extrovert, I couldn’t relate with Liz. Someone asks her if there was a particular food left and she immediately assumes the person thought she was the caterer? Really? It seemed an odd thing to assume that’s what the person thought. I expected a heartwarming second chance romance and I got a confusing story with way too many moving parts. The plot was confusing. It was hard to follow who was who and what was going on and why it was going on. The improv seemed out of place and unnecessary. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I do not recommend Rules for Second Chances.Rules for Second Chances will be available
in paperback, eBook and audiobook on June 25, 2024
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Binding 13: a chance encounter leads to friendship and love
Binding 13 is the first book of the Boys of Tommen series by Chole Walsh. Johnny Kavanagh lives and breathes rugby. It has been his main focus until he met her. An unfortunate accident puts Johnny face to face with Shannon Lynch, the new girl on campus, and he is captivated. Shy and hiding physical and emotional damage, all Shannon wants is to be invisible. Coming from a horrifying situation at a previous school, where she was bullied and tortured, she is desperate for as much peace and quiet that she can get. He doesn’t know why but Johnny feels protective of Shannon and is determined that her experience at Tommen College is better for her. Despite dealing with his own pressures and needing to keep his eyes on the ultimate prize, but, Johnny can’t stay away from the girl with the sad, soulful eyes. What starts as a complicated friendship turns into an undeniable attraction, can Johnny and Shannon overcome the obstacles in their path?
I was introduced to Binding 13 through TikTok and I was intrigued. While I am not a fan of rugby, I was drawn to the story of Johnny and Shannon. Two teenagers from opposite sides of the tracks who find friendship, love and the reality of the real world around them. Based in Ireland, Binding 13 is a stark look into the world of rugby, teenage love and heartbreak. Once I started this story, I could not put it down. This book has it all. It is real, gritty and heartbreaking. It had humor and banter. It has tense and tender moments with tears and smiles. My heart broke for Shannon and I wanted to reach through the pages and hug her, to save her. I loved Johnny’s character and his connection with Shannon. Word of warning: it is written in the Irish teen vernacular with heavy foul language. I highly, highly recommend Binding 13 and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.Binding 13 is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
Thursday, June 20, 2024
A Storm of Infinite Beauty: a search for the truth changes one's life forever
A Storm of Infinite Beauty by Julianne MacLean is a story of a woman's search uncovers hidden secrets and opens her world to truths she didn’t know. Scarlett Fontaine is a Hollywood legend. A singer, actress and fashion icon, she remains beloved long after her death. Gwen Hollingsworth is the curator at the museum dedicated to Scarlett’s life. While she is dedicated to keeping Scarlett’s memory alive and her reputation intact, her personal life is in shambles. Dealing with grief and the deterioration of her marriage, Gwen is hanging on. Her world is about to turn upside down again when Peter Miller, a biographer and photojournalist, comes to the museum with a theory that Scarlett was in Alaska when she was supposedly in New York City. Gwen and Peter set out for Alaska to follow the clues to learn why Scarlett would be in Alaska. Will what they discover change their lives forever?
From the lush landscape of Nova Scotia to the rustic beauty of Alaska, A Storm of Infinite Beauty is a breathtaking, emotional journey of life, love and survival. From the opening chapter to the closing pages, the story gripped my attention. There were twists and turns as the mystery of Scarlett’s time in Alaska is revealed. Ms MacLean’s descriptions of Nova Scotia and Alaska were so vivid that it was very easy to picture the landscapes in my mind as I read. I enjoyed every character. As a distant relative of Scarlett’s, I loved how Gwen is protective of her image and wishes to make sure no one tries to tarnish her memory. I also loved Gwen’s strength and healing through the course of the story. This is the type of story that will keep you wanting to know more and turning the pages. I highly recommend A Storm of Infinite Beauty.A Storm of Infinite Beauty is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
The Fast Lane: a friends to lovers with humor and heart
The Fast Lane by Sharon M Peterson is the second book in the Two Harts series. Alicia Ramos needs a ride to her oldest brother’s wedding in Portland after her mother went overboard and there is no room for her in her parents’ car. Family friend, Theo Goodnight, is the man to give her a ride. However, a big problem! Ever since she proclaimed her love for Theo many, many years ago, their relationship has been lukewarm. After a recent break up, she was taking a dating sabbatical. He’s the last person she wanted to be alone with on a six day road trip, especially when he only sees her as a sister. However, as the trip begins, they fight over the playlist, banter and flirt. The close proximity and two thousand miles has her heart race. With each mile, she can’t help but wonder if Theo feels the same?
Sharon M Peterson has become my new auto-buy author. The Fast Lane is another hilarious friends-to-lovers, second-chance, brother’s best friend romantic comedy. I laughed. I sighed. I cried and I grinned ear to ear as I read well into the night. I could not put this book down. I loved Alicia and her antics. I loved the sibling banter between Alicia and her brothers. I also loved Alicia’s “note to self” notes at the beginning of each chapter. It added to the humor in the story. There was a bit of family drama as well. What is a wedding without family drama? I also loved Theo and his love for Alicia. He just gets her. You do not really need to read the first book, The Fake Out, to enjoy this story. However, I highly recommend reading it as it is another enjoyable story. I highly, highly recommend The Fast Lane.
The Fast Lane will be available in eBook on June 19, 2024
Sunday, June 16, 2024
A Light in the Window: a World War II story
A Light in the Window by Marion Kummerow is the first book in the Margarete’s Journey series. In 1941 Berlin, Margarete Rosenbaum was working as a housemaid for a senior Nazi officer and his wife and daughter, when their building was bombed. As the only survivor, she is mistaken for the daughter in the aftermath and she takes it as her ticket to freedom. With temporary papers and the freedom of not being seen as Jewish, she leaves Berlin behind. Until SS officer Wilhelm Huber, her late employer’s son, tracks her down. However, she is surprised when he doesn’t reveal her true identity right away. He suggests that she come with him to Paris and continue to pretend to be his sister. Terrified they might be found out and not knowing what Wilhelm truly wants in return, Margarete soon realizes that hiding in plain sight might be her only chance for survival.
I looked forward to this story as I have enjoyed Ms. Kummerow’s World War II stories. However, this story quickly led to disappointment as there was contradictory information throughout the story. The main contradiction was Margarete was stated to be older than her employer’s daughter and then a couple chapters later, she’s younger! I also didn’t understand how a SS officer, who very clearly believes in the Nazi rhetoric, would not expose a Jewish woman for taking an Aryan woman’s identity and ask her to continue the charade! I also was supposed to believe that a Nazi SS officer and a Jewish woman have a romance! It may have been in the realm of possibilities if Wilhelm was not so gung-ho for the Nazi regime. There were also idioms and phrases used that were not true to the time. Sadly, this book was very disappointing and I will not continue with the series.A Light in the Window is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
Friday, June 14, 2024
His Curvy Friend: a friends to lovers romance
His Curvy Friend by Mary E Thompson is the first book in the Book Boyfriends Wanted series. Ian has been stuck in the friend zone for years. But he wanted for the right moment to make his move and he knows it’s coming. Blake is stinging from a recent breakup. Her ex-boyfriend broke up with her because he thought she was in love with her best friend’s older brother. A claim she thought was ridiculous, even though she thought often about the time she walked in on him just out of the shower. Water running down his chest. His hair slicked back from his face and that stormy look in his eyes. But no, she didn’t have a thing for him! When an online dating site pairs Ian and Blake together, it becomes his opportunity to show a side of him she has never seen before, the side that wanted forever with her. Can he convince her that he sees her for her?
I love books that feature people of all body shapes and abilities and I looked forward to His Curvy Friend. Unfortunately, it was a let down from the opening chapter. First, Blake makes the statement along the lines that all curvy girls get sweaty easily. As a curvy girl myself, I scoffed and a big NO escaped my lips. Second, there was a huge information dump in the first chapter and it was confusing on who was who and what was going on. Third, I simply didn’t buy Ian and Blake’s friendship, much less their romance. They were both supposed to be in their 30s and yet, I thought they were easily in their teens and immature. Blake was in a constant “woe is me” pity party. While I understand intrusive thoughts, it was so repetitive I wanted to scream at her to do something about it! Overall, I did not enjoy His Curvy Friend and I will not be continuing the series.His Curvy Friend is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
The Rom-Commers: grumpy-sunshine, enemies to lovers romance
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center is a romantic comedy on the page. Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a successful screenwriter. She writes romantic comedies and good ones that win contests but she is also the sole caretaker of her father who needs full time care. When a long time friend calls with an opportunity to re-write a script with the famous screenwriter Charlie Yates, she feels it's too good to be true. As her younger sister takes over the caretaking duties, Emma moves to LA for six weeks. However, when she arrives, Emma quickly learns that she is not wanted. Charlie Yates doesn’t want to write with anyone and doesn’t really care about this script, it was just a means to an end. And worst, he doesn’t believe in love. Emma isn’t going to give up. She is going to fight for herself, for rom-coms and love. She is determined to change Charlie’s mind about love. Of course, life is often stranger than fiction. Will their script come true?
Katherine Center is an auto-buy author for me. Her stories are often fun, filled with laughs and great moments. The Rom-Commers is no different. It is so good! I laughed. I cried. I grinned from ear to ear as I could not put it down! It is a grumpy-sunshine, enemies to lovers romance with humor and drama. Are these characters perfect? No, Charlie and Emma are deeply wounded people with pasts that Ms. Center does not sugarcoat or gloss over and do not have easy or simple solutions. No one wants to read characters who are perfect. We want to see characters who change and grow throughout the story and end up changed for the better. Real life people are flawed and yet still lovable which are the type of characters Ms Center writes. The story goes through the highs and lows of falling in love. I loved The Rom-Commers and I closed the book with a sigh and a happy heart. I highly, highly recommend The Rom-Commers!The Rom-Commers is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook
Monday, June 10, 2024
Say You Swear: a college romance, a love triangle and a tragic accident that threatens to tear everything apart
Say You Swear by Meagan Brady is the first book in the Boys of Avix series. Arianna Johnson dreams of a college romance. As she and her twin brother, Mason, and their group of friends gather for the summer before their first semester, Arianna is filled with hope. She dreamt for years of what college would be like: the late night studying, parties and a college romance. While she always imagined it would be one particular guy, Chase, one of her brother’s best friends, a guy who never gave her any indication he felt the same, Ari wasn’t expecting him. Noah Riley is a college senior, captain of the football team and her brother’s teammate. As they hang out as friends, Ari and Noah find themselves being pulled to each other and the romance of her dreams begins. Until a tragic accident takes it all away and Ari must fight to find her way back to Noah.
I first discovered Say You Swear through a Facebook Reel and I immediately put the book on my wishlist. I recently was able to read it and it was not what I expected. First, I say I loved the story between Ari and Noah. They were a great couple. I didn’t care for the drama around the love triangle between Ari, Noah and another guy; however, I did understand it as I have seen it in real life. So it’s not like it is not in the realm of possibilities. Second, it is a very long book for a romance, almost 600 pages but I read it within three days, so it held my attention. Third, my only complaint is that the beginnings of each chapter were printed over a picture of a couple on the beach and it made the text very hard to read. Overall, I enjoyed it and I recommend Say You Swear.Say You Swear is available in paperback (with alternate covers), eBook and audiobook
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Moonlight, Murder and Small Town Secrets: a fun southern cozy mystery
Moonlight, Murder and Small Town Secrets by KC Hart is the first book in the Katy Cross Cozy Mystery series. By day, Katy Cross is a home health nurse. By night, she is the lead guitarist for her band, The Moonlighters. As she and the band prepared to play at the annual Peanut Patch Festival, she discovers a body during the mic check. As the investigation begins and a suspect is named, Katy is determined to investigate as well, compelled to snoop around. Katy sees that something doesn’t add up with the suspect and the evidence against him as the small town rumor mill is in full swing. When a second body is discovered, she knows the real killer is still out there. Will she be able to discover who the killer is before more lives are lost?
Moonlight, Murder and Small Town Secrets is my first book by KC Hart and I was not disappointed. It was a fun cozy mystery with lots of laughs, intrigue and southern charm. It was an easy to read, fast paced story which kept me engaged and reading. I loved the southern charm of the town and the characters. I could even hear their accents in my head as I read, which is unique and added to the fun of the story. I also enjoyed all the characters as Katy’s friends eagerly help with her sleuthing. The identity of the killer was a complete surprise and the motive was interesting as well. The story had a great ending. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries with amateur sleuths and small towns, I highly recommend Moonlight, Murder and Small Town Secrets.Moonlight, Murder and Small Town Secrets is available in paperback and eBook
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Shelterwood: a story of survival, justice served and righting wrongs
Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate is a dual timeline story set in Oklahoma. 1909, eleven-year-old Olive August Radley knows that her stepfather has ill intentions toward the two Choctaw girls who live with her family. When the older girl disappears, Ollie takes the younger girl and flees into the woods. Together they set out on a perilous journey to the rugged Winding Stair Mountains, trying to avoid the outlaws, treasure hunters and desperate men along the way. Eighty-one years later, Valerie Boren O’dell is a law enforcement ranger who arrives at the Horsethief Trail National Park, seeking a quiet place as she tries to balance her career and single parenthood. She quickly learns about a local controversy over the park’s opening, a teenage hiker goes missing and a long hidden burial site of three children was discovered deep in a cave. Val soon learns the tragic and deadly history of the area as she tries to uncover the truth.
Lisa Wingate has made a name for herself as a writer of emotional and often forgotten stories in history. Shelterwood traces the story of children abandoned by the law, the conflicts over the land and its riches and the long battle to see wrongs righted and justice done. I love Lisa Wingate books and Shelterwood sounded compelling and interesting; however, it was a chore to read. It wasn’t hard to read because of the subject matter which was indeed a heavy topic but important to discuss. There was a bit of confusion of who the characters were and their relationship to the two main characters: Ollie and Val. The back and forth between timelines, which usually doesn’t bother me, took me out of the story and it was hard to readjust for the new chapter. Overall, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have other Lisa Wingate books. However, if the book interests you, I recommend giving it a try.Shelterwood is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
The Seaside Sisters: two sisters and a summer that could change their lives forever
The Seaside Sisters by Pamela M. Kelley is a story of two sisters and one summer that changes everything. Hannah Brewster just hit the New York Times bestseller’s list with her debut novel. While she is rejoicing, she is also panicking as she is struggling to write her follow up novel and the clock is ticking. Sara Ellis is Hannah’s older sister and lives in their hometown. Once a dedicated librarian, she feels trapped in a lukewarm marriage and four rambunctious boys and dreams of getting back to work. After a panic attack due to stress brings Hannah home to Chatham, she hopes staying in the seaside town will get the creative juices flowing. Sara hopes the summer brings an opportunity to get back into the workforce and possibly reignite the flame in her marriage. With the healing magic of books and the beach, will the summer be filled with friends and rekindled romance?
After enjoying The Bookshop by the Bay, I looked forward to The Seaside Sisters as it takes place in Chatham. I was intrigued by the opening chapter as Hannah is having her panic attack and the sisters are dealing with their mother’s recent death. However, the story felt flat as the events converged in Chatham and nothing much happened. The writing wasn’t as engaging or flowing as The Bookshop by the Bay. I had a hard time relating to Hannah and Sara. I enjoy characters who are writers and seeing their process; however, Hannah wasn’t an engaging character. As a married stay at home mom, I found it very hard to relate to Sara. Overall, the story was okay but lackluster. The romance was not swoon worthy. The conflicts in the plot had no real action. However, if you are a fan of Pamela M. Kelley, you may enjoy The Seaside Sisters.The Seaside Sisters is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Looking for Smoke: a story of murder, mystery and a stark reality for Native women
Looking for Smoke by KA Cobell is a young adult fiction of murder, mystery and a very real situation plaguing young Native women. Mara Racette recently moved to the Blackfeet Reservation with her parents and is on the outside looking in. When Loren Arnoux includes her in a traditional Blackfeet giveaway to honor her missing sister, Rayanne, Mara thinks she is finally making friends. However, when Samantha White Tail, another girl from the giveaway, is found murdered, everyone who was a part of the giveaway becomes a person of interest. Each one may have had a motive. From Mara and Loren to Brody Clark, the class clown, and tough guy Eli First Kill, each with a deep mistrust of each, take the matter into their own hands to clear their names. Can they discover the truth? Is one of them a murderer?
I love stories about Native Indigenous people and their culture and struggles. So when the opportunity to read Looking for Smoke came up, I jumped at it. In a powerful debut novel, Ms. Cobell weaved a story of loss, betrayal and mystery that was engaging with a shocking twist and surprise that had my jaw on the floor! Weaved through the story is the very real nightmare of missing and murdered native women. The statistics the author discussed at the end of the book were heartbreaking and horrifying! The characters were complex and the growth throughout the story was great. The imagery and the descriptions of the festivals and rituals were breathtaking. I could not put this story down and read well into the night. I am looking forward to reading more stories by KA Cobell. I highly, highly recommend Looking for Smoke.Looking for Smoke will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook on June 4, 2024