The Girl on the Bathroom Floor by Amber Emily Smith

Losing a child is devastating. Watching my son Jonathan battle cancer and die inch by inch was the hardest thing I have walked through. But, on top of losing your child you have aftershocks. How do you go on and parent your other children, keep your marriage strong, and relate to friends whose lives are so different from yours now? The Girl on the Bathroom Floor is the book that I wish I would have had five years ago when my son passed to work through these questions.

The author writes with such raw honesty about what it is like to lose a child. She does not gloss over the hard questions like where was God, this is not fair, and how do I get up tomorrow? The author shares her journey, points you to scripture and gives you hope for the future.

I very highly recommend The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart Hardcover by Amber Emily Smith. I consider this one of the best books on grief, hardships, and understanding child loss that I have read. (I have read many)

PS I think this is great book to read if you have a friend who has lost a child. The author shares her story in such a relatable way as she opens up her heart on the pages. It will help you be a better friend.

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.

A Secret Infatuation by Jennie Goutet

 A Secret Infatuation by Jennie Goutet is a sweet Regency romance that is book number two in the Earl’s Sisters series, and it can be stand-alone novel.  Lady Sophia Rowlandson is very shy and works very hard to keep her composure.  Once at an event she was unable to speak up when confronted and is saved by Felix Harwood after her neighbor is unkind.  Sophia remembers his kindness and when she sees him years later cannot help but think what might be.

This is a charming dual POV story.  I rooted for Sophia and Felix to get together from page one.  Felix is strong, honorable, and kind which and pairs well with Sophia’s sweet, thoughtful and giving personality.  I loved watching their delightful relationship unfold throughout the story.  It brings me joy when kind-hearted people find each other in books and in real life.  The Regency setting of London is always a favorite especially when there is a masquerade ball, a picnic, and presentations at court.  The themes of finding your voice, family, and caring for others resonated with me. 

A Secret Infatuation is a wonderful story with engaging and thoughtful characters, a wonderful setting, and sweet romance.   It is always wonderful to be transported into such an enchanting story.  I highly recommend A Secret Infatuation by Jennie Goutet.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required a positive review.