Prayers to Calm Your Anxious Heart by Julie K. Gillies

This is the perfect book for anyone who is spiritually-minded and feeling anxious about the pandemic and turmoil of 2020. Each devotion begins with a short piece of scripture, is followed by a relevant and inspiring message applicable to anyone's everyday life, and finishes with a suggested prayer that encompasses the scripture and message discussed. Space is given at the bottom of each entry so that the reader can write down their own thoughts and feelings. I like that there are no calendar dates assigned to these readings, so that you can read as many as you want on your own timeline, or can flip through the book and read a devotion that is relevant to how you may be feeling on any particular day. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Finding Annie by Katherine Turner

Annie abruptly left her hometown twelve years ago, leaving those she loved, including Rob, behind. Annie has come back, to housesit for her mother, but when she sees Rob will she be able to deal with the memories and emotions, both good and bad, that caused her to leave in the first place? Or will Lucas, the grandson of her mentor, be able to break through her defenses and give her hope for the future?

This books deals with the serious issues of neglect, abandonment, and sexual assault, and how victims are profoundly affected. The author made me feel genuine heartbreak, empathy and compassion for more than one character in this book, and I wanted them all to find the love and healing they deserved. The author also makes the characters in this book all the more realistic by presenting them with flaws.

The level of profanity in this book was too much for me. I can deal with swearing, especially in moments of emotion or drama, but it seemed like a couple of characters in this book couldn't say anything without dropping the f bomb. Unfortunately, for me, this took a bit away from the impact of the story.

I gave this book a rating of 4 stars, and received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens.