Disclosure: I received these books and CDs to review. Links might be my affiliate account; opinions shared are mine.

School is officially out for us, which means we need to officially start packing for the big move!  Down time might be hard to find. Here’s what to read to make the most of your spare moments!

To Win Her Favor (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel) has the delicious savor of a blue-blood’s five course meal.  The deep message of promises kept and broken hopes, combined with the sigh-worthy romance, make this a book to wrap up in a nice, neat bow. It’s a lovely story to enjoy right after the Kentucky Derby, what with the horse race and all.  What I liked most about To Win Her Favor was the gradual dissolve of prejudice. Gender bias, racial tension, and socioeconomic status became moot points when it came to determination, skill, and talent.  Main characters Maggie and Cullen learn that the things they once held as important didn’t hold a candle to the truly important things in life. So many little disasters and fine-line cracks threaten to darken our days, but holding fast to our faith is a reminder that God is in charge. He can turn even the most devastating events into something glorious for the kingdom.

Doesn’t the On Shifting Sand book cover take your breath away? It has instant drama factor.  In classic Allison Pittman style, the characters in this book are real, raw, and almost tangible.  From the very start of the book, I connected with Nola.  She was an exhausted mom who stole away moments to herself, trying to rush around for nighttime prayer or wondering how her blush of youth was gone so quickly.  My heart caught in my chest when Nola started to waver between right and wrong; I wanted to cry out to her and remind her of what she once held dear. The Dust Bowl might be the setting, but Nola could be any woman in any time period. This timeless story of pain and forgiveness can’t be ignored. It’s unsettling to say the least, so don’t walk into it expecting a warm-and-fuzzy tale of soft love.  This gritty novel is one that will claw its way into your soul.

For the littles, you’ll want to check out Daddy Loves You So Much  for Father’s Day. It’s a sturdy board book with a cushion-soft cover.  Who can resist the adorable koala pair on the front?  The book celebrates the small things that happen every day with dad.  Playing, getting ready for school, and nighttime cuddles will be something that children can relate to.  I love the illustrations, which feature unique animals (when was the last time you saw an ostrich or a badger in a children’s book?)  Thanks to Tommy Nelson, one lucky reader will win a copy of this book!  Visit the giveaway form at the bottom of the post to enter. The giveaway is open to US readers ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Good luck!