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 ~*~

The Light Through the Leaves - Glendy Vanderah

The Light Through the Leaves by Glendy Vanderah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really great read. There were times I cried, times I was like "no no no" and times the hair on my arms stood up. I was fully immersed in the story and I enjoyed it.
The characters were believable and the story progressed without stalling.
I would love a sequel to find out what happened to a family torn apart by a child abduction.
5 stars. Very recommended.

If you are interested in this book you can purchase it here. 

April 30, 2021 – Started Reading

September 12, 2021 – Finished Reading 

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

Review: The Great Alone

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This book should come with a warning.
I got the book to read because I thought it was about a family trying to survive in Alaska. You know, homesteading, self-sufficiency, surviving. Instead I got a book with tons of violence, mental health issues, and chock full of domestic violence. This book triggered so much for me. I found my mental health suffering. Things I have buried long ago came to the surface. I got about 2/3 the way through and let the book sit awhile. I decided now to shelf the rest of it. It is super rare that I do not finish a book but this one took me to all the dark places and made me feel horrible.
The book is dark, depressing, and nothing like what I thought.

READING PROGRESS

November 5, 2020 – Started Reading

December 28, 2020 – Finished Reading