The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay is a cozy, sit by the fire drinking hot chocolate, kind of book that will have you pining for the idyllic charm and nostalgia of the quaint town of Winsome. Winsome is home to the lovely bookshop, The Printed Letter Bookshop and holds the hopes and legacy of its former owner, Maddie. When Maddie leaves the bookshop to her adored niece, Madeline, only time will tell how the magic and power of friendship, love, and books will transform her wounded heart, bringing out her strengths and gifts. Maddie’s joyful approach to life is felt in the shop and it is up to Madeline to keep the shop afloat. Along the way she becomes friends with her two employees, Claire and Janet, and helps them to embrace their independence and strength. The stories of the three friends are central to the book and I found myself cheering them on in all their endeavors and set-backs. Together they overcome a lot of odds and find that friendship is to be cherished and can elevate one from even the darkest of times. Themes of love, forgiveness, friendship, familial bonds, and a love of the power of the written word in books, make for a novel of lovely storytelling. I felt a closeness to the characters and could easily relate to their personalities and challenges. They became like friends to me and I felt sad when I had to say goodbye to them and the sweet town of Winsome. When you pick up this book be prepared to not want to put it down.

Karen Kingsbury’s “A Distant Shore” is a powerful, breathtaking, and moving book. I have put off writing a review of “A Distant Shore” for a long time now, as I felt my words may not do the book justice or convey the depth of care, research, and love that the author used to tackle the huge and incomprehensible subject of human trafficking. I read it, knowing that I could trust Karen to deliver a story that not only portrayed characters of strength, integrity, and courage, but that she would gently lead them to places of renewal, forgiveness, and redemption through love, faith and the belief in the strength of the human spirit as they navigated their way through tragedy, desolation, upheaval and unspeakable trials. Karen’s characters, Lizzie, and Jack are flawed, tragic, and complicated. They must learn to trust and to love if they are to move into a future that heals their pasts. Together they find the strength to start anew, as they learn that their lives have only just begun – with faith in God, each other, and themselves. Karen Kingsbury has long been one of my favorite authors and she does not disappoint with this book. I will continue to always place my trust as a reader in her expert and knowledgeable writing as an author.

Piglet, The Unexpected Story of a Deaf Blind Pink Puppy and His Family is an uplifting, inspirational and wonderful book! Written by Melissa Shapiro, DVM, a veterinarian, lifelong animal welfare advocate and mom to three children and many rescued dogs and birds, the story of the little pink puppy will draw you in and keep you yearning for the next chapter. Piglet, captured my heart the moment Melissa and her family bring him home as a rescue from a hoarding situation. I immediately fell in love the little pink, one pound baby who was about to turn the Shapiro’s lives upside down. Maybe even “right-side” up, so-to-speak, as Piglet brought the family unmeasurable amounts of joy, unconditional love, endless snuggles, and countless days of wonder. Piglet is a little “wonder dog!” He had a purpose and a calling for his small, sweet puppy life. Melissa introduced him to the world of education, social media, and advocacy groups to inspire others to reach for the stars and overcome odds. Piglet teaches people valuable lessons in acceptance and inclusion, and the all-important power of love, empathy and kindness. Piglet will inspire you to adopt a “Piglet Mindset,” inspiring you to take action and get involved to better your community and the world. Melissa uses Piglet’s platform to educate and inspire others to adopt pets with special needs and raises awareness for special needs rescue groups and other animal welfare groups. I loved this book. It is special in every way and will grace my favorites shelf for years to come.