The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am absolutely drawn to how Amanda Cox weaves a fascinating story throughout her novels. She bounces between the present day and the past, slowly unveiling pieces of each timeline and leading you through a story that beautifully unfolds. The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is no exception.

When Sarah returns to her childhood home and wants to run the old grocery business with her mother and grandmother, she discovers that her mom wants to close the store. Her mom has always seemed to push Sarah out of the small town where they both grew up, but Sarah may have other ideas.

Grandma Glory Ann starts the story back in 1965 when she confesses to her family that she is pregnant with her deceased fiancé’s baby. In those days, this could be a scarlet letter that ruined a family’s reputation. From there, the story moves between the present day, following Sarah as she tries to get her life back on track, and Glory Ann’s story from the 1960s through the present. Interwoven throughout the story is the mother’s perspective as well.

It is absolutely enthralling and captivating, and you quickly feel like you know these characters. There are so many emotions woven throughout the story, along with moments that may completely blow your mind. It was an amazing story that I absolutely could not put down. I read the book in one day because it pulled me in so completely. I felt like I was right there in the grocery store with them, experiencing everything alongside the characters.

This is the second book I have read by Amanda Cox. The first was The Edge of Belonging, which you can find my review of here. I have already ordered another Amanda Cox novel to read because I love her writing style. I will definitely keep reading her stories.

I consider this a 5-star book and a 5-star author. I highly recommend it!

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

August 25, 2026 – Started Reading

August 25, 2026 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

At Morning's Light by Lauraine Snelling (Book 2 of Home to Green Creek Series)

At Morning's Light by Lauraine Snelling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Continuing on with the *Home to Green Creek* series by Lauraine Snelling, Book 2 picks up where Book 1 left off. It continues the story of Amalia, a Norwegian immigrant who came to Iowa to start a new life. She is raising Ruthie, an orphan in her care, while also running a boardinghouse until Ruthie comes of age. In this book, Amalia’s cousin makes the journey across the ocean to immigrate to Iowa and help her with the boardinghouse. We see more characters in this book to fall in love with as well as book 1 characters to continue reading about their journeys.

This book was just as good as the first—and I loved it! There is quite a bit more sadness and heartache in this story, but there is also love, healing, and faith. The characters take you on an emotional journey, and you find yourself laughing, crying, and feeling every emotion right alongside them.

I won’t give away any spoilers, but when I finished this book, I immediately wanted to pick up the next one. I am fully invested in the lives of these characters and can’t wait to see what happens next!

Unfortunately, the third book in the series hasn’t been published yet, so now I have to wait to find out what comes next. I’m definitely looking forward to continuing this series!

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

August 8, 2026 – Started Reading

August 10, 2026 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

Land of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling (Book 1 in the Home to Green Creek Series)

Land of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**5 stars!** Completely engrossing! I was attached to the characters and their stories right away.

I have lived near Decorah, Iowa, all my life, and I am also very Norwegian, so when I saw this book, I knew I had to pick it up. It felt like it could have been connected to my own family tree. My grandpa came to the Midwest from Norway with his mother when he was just two years old, so I especially loved reading about what life was like for Norwegian immigrants during those days.

The challenges, faith, and endurance of the characters were so refreshing to read about. I found myself becoming completely invested in their lives and finished the book in just three days!  The book had be thinking a lot about how I could help others more in my life.  Amalia is so open to serving others and grounded in her Faith.  It was inspiring.  

I loved this book so much that I ordered the second one in the series right away. I want to keep following these characters and find out where their lives take them. Of course, I immediately looked up the third book, only to discover that it hasn’t been released yet! 😭 Now I’ll have to wait, which will be hard because I need to know what happens next!

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

I’m also excited to discover that Lauraine Snelling has several other series that look amazing. I’m so happy to have found a new author whose books I know I’m going to love!

**Book Description:**
On the ship to America, Norwegian immigrant Amalia Gunderson makes a solemn promise to a dying mother, vowing to watch over her five-year-old daughter, Ruth. Together, Amalia and Ruth trek to Iowa to claim the farm and former boardinghouse that Ruth has inherited, despite opposition from a difficult cousin. Struggling with an empty house and scarce resources, Amalia resolves to return the boardinghouse to its former purpose, aided by the kindness of strangers and the resilient spirit of her young charge.

August 3, 2026 – Started Reading

August 6, 2026 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down. I read it all in a single day because I was completely engrossed from the very first chapter. The story pulled me in immediately, and I found myself deeply invested in both the characters and their journeys. Every time I thought I could put it down, I wanted to read just one more chapter.

This was my first book by Amanda Cox, and it definitely won't be my last. Her writing is beautiful, emotional, and incredibly engaging. She has a way of making her characters feel real, and I connected with them instantly. While there were a couple of moments that were somewhat predictable, they didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book at all. The emotional depth and character development more than made up for it.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel was the way each chapter alternated between the present and the past. The transitions felt seamless and added so much depth to the story. Each chapter set in the past revealed pieces of the characters' histories that helped explain what was happening in the present, making every revelation meaningful. Instead of interrupting the flow, the dual timeline made me even more eager to keep reading.

What stood out most to me was the message of healing, forgiveness, and hope. The book beautifully shows how broken people can come together, face their pasts, and find restoration in unexpected ways. It was emotional without feeling overly dramatic, and the relationships felt authentic and heartfelt.

I honestly loved every minute of this book from beginning to end. There wasn't a single part I didn't enjoy, and I can easily see myself reading it again in the future. If you're looking for a beautifully written, character-driven novel filled with heart, emotion, and hope, I highly recommend this one. It's a story that will stay with me for a long time.
(I have already picked up another book of hers to read).

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

July 30, 2026 – Started Reading

July 30, 2026 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading!

 ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker

Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars If I could give 100 stars I would. 

loved it. loved both. deep and emotional

I'm so glad the author chose to make a sequel to the much beloved book Pax. This one was just as good as the first, though just as painful to read. I really don't understand how this is a kid's book. I'm a grown woman and I find the book extremely deep emotionally and it is so intense and so sad. I know this book is about healing, but I cried so very much.
I didn't want the story to end. I finished the book in two days. This book picks up with Pax and his mate having a litter of pups. The land is devastated in the after effects of war. Pax must find a better home for the family with more food, clean water, less people, etc. He sets off to find this and I will not put in any spoilers. But this story gripped me heart and soul from beginning to end.

 
I want more. I am fully invested in the lives of these beautiful foxes. I wish the author would write another in the series about them; sadly she said this is the last novel on them. 😢

If you would like to read this book, you can find it here. 

October 28, 2025 – Started Reading

October 30, 2025 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Light Between Oceans is a beautiful story of Tom Sherbourne, a man whose war service and the unspeakable horrors he has endured have made him quiet, repressed and unable to express his feeling with ease. Grateful for the solitude lighthouse keeping affords him, he moves from post to post as a relief keeper, never staying in one place too long. When he’s posted to Port Partageuse to relieve the last keeper (who it turns out went mad) on the remote Janus Rock, 100 miles off the coast of Western Australia, he is able to enjoy the isolation such a distant locale affords – that is, until he meets the passionate, day-dreaming Isabel who awakens him to the joys of feeling again.

Writing to each other, they maintain contact and a slow and welcome romance develops into a relationship. But when Tom takes his new wife, Izzy, to this wild outpost of Janus Rock, the idyllic life Tom and Isabel thought they would have, one where they create a perfect family, unravels. 

I loved this book! What a great story telling author. I will definitely check out her other book.

This is a great story that draws you right in. Amazing characters, great detail and captivating read. I couldn't put it down. Many emotions. Sad ending, but fitting. I loved every bit. Would recommend. 

I have since found out that there is a movie made after the book.  I am excited to find the movie and watch it now to see how closely it follows the book. 

If you would like to purchase this book you can find it here. 

October 28, 2025 – Started Reading

November 17, 2025 – Finished Reading

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Happy Reading! ~*~ The Bookworm Geek ~*~

Review: Pax

Pax by Sara Pennypacker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful and amazing story. The two things that stuck with me throughout the book were sorrow and adaptation. I cannot believe this is a book for young readers - the message is powerful and very much useful to adults.
The story was building and building and then it reached a climax and then ended! I was mad, sad, torn. I wanted more story. I wanted to know what happened to each of the characters (besides the dad, he was a jerk). I do hope there is a sequel. I felt like I was left hanging.
I read this because the reviews mentioned how it was a good book for adults to read and it sounded interesting. I loved having the two points of view, the fox and the boy. I really loved the dimension to the fox; I could have read from his point of view all day.
I tried to get my teenager (13) to read it but she felt too much sorrow after the first chapter and didn't want to go on. I highly suggest this book to any adult.

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