The Reluctant Healer of Halifax by Terrie Todd - A Book Review

 

This is the second work of fiction that I have read centered around the historical event of the Great Halifax Explosion on December 6, 1917, yet I was still unprepared for the enormous devastation that occurred that day. An estimated 2,000 people were killed, and an estimated 8,000 were injured when two ships collided in Halifax Harbour. Hundreds were permanently blinded. Over one third of the victims were under the age of fifteen.

Terrie Todd makes readers aware of the big picture, but also skillfully makes the disaster personal for two fictional families and thus to the readers of The Reluctant Healer of Halifax. This multi-themed story deals with being able to do more than you ever thought possible when the need arises, sacrificing ones own needs and concerns for those of others, and perseverance coming through the testing of one's faith. This book is a wonderful read, and the enjoyment of that experience would be multiplied with opportunities to discuss the story with others along the way, making it an ideal book club selection.

I am grateful to have received The Reluctant Healer of Halifax from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Embroidering the Truth by Elizabeth Penney - A Book Review

  

I have read three of the first four books in Guideposts' Gift Shop Mystery series. This is by far my favorite. Embroidering the Truth is a dual-timeline story in which the contemporary characters are researching the lives of two women from the 1890s historical timeline. While they are trying to esI have read three of the first four books in Guideposts' Gift Shop Mystery series. This is by far my favorite. Embroidering the Truth is a dual-timeline story in which the contemporary characters are researching the lives of two women from the 1890s historical timeline. While they are trying to establish the provenance of an antique quilt, the story becomes more about the lack of recognition women historically received for their contributions in the fields of art and architecture. I am sure the same is true in many other fields as well.

This cozy mystery is a quick read. Even though each book in this series has been written by a different author, the authors have done a great job regarding the consistency in the way the recurring characters behave and speak as well as the enchanting picture they portray of the main setting, Port Huron. These books have led me to do some searching on places to visit in Michigan in general, and things to do in Port Huron specifically.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Embroidering the Truth from Guideposts via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

STill Life by Dani Pettrey - A Brief Comment

Still Life felt very different than other Dani Pettrey books that I have read, still quite good, just different. It had more of a Nancy Mehl feel to it. So, of course, I recommend this book to fans of both of these authors. While Still Life is the second book in Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor series , it works well as a stand-alone read. The story is intense and could be categorized as a psychological thriller rather than strictly romantic suspense. 

I enjoyed this book through the Libby app. 

A Crimson Rose by Grace Greene - A Book Review

  

This novella is a sweet read. While it will work as a stand-alone, having read at least the first book in Grace Greene's Crimson Grove series will truly make this story make more sense. Amelia Hennipen is a caregiver at heart. Circumstances, and likely God, have put Amelia in situations that some would find anywhere from untenable to uncomfortable. She not only manages them, but thrives, and so do those under her care. Does she have weak moments, absolutely. The team she has built around her and those who have come alongside her see her through. Grace Greene is truly a master of character development. In A Crimson Rose she honors both the lifetime character of Henny who is journeying through Alzheimer's as well as the changes that have manifested. The story has a gentle, slow pace as this type of story deserves. Deep emotions cannot be rushed. It is special that Greene is able to accomplish this within the constraints of the book being a novella rather than a full-length novel.

I highly recommend this book and series, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde

 

In 1803 two children were kidnapped from their home in Hyberabad, India, leaving their widowed mother alone. Raised on an estate in England, the two learned what was now expected of them by an uncaring grandfather who deplored their mixed heritage. Now, grown and being forced into a life they don't want to live, extreme measures may be necessary to live a life that honors God and respects their heritage.

Jenelle Hovde has skillfully blended the lives of her fictional characters with those of real life reformist William Wilberforce and missionary and translator William Carey. She has obviously carefully researched not only the lives of these men, but also the East India Company and the social and political culture of India in the early1800s. This is the first book of Hovde's that I have read, but I will certainly be on the lookout for others. I enjoy her writing style and appreciate the realism and authenticity of this story.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Light of Stars from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Conspiracy by Colleen Coble - A Book Review

  

The final book of Coble's Sanctuary series which is connected to the Tupelo Grove novels that she coauthored with Rick Acker, is an amazing conclusion. Veterinarian Paradise Alden is once again in the cross-hairs. The mystery is the identity of the one who has her in their sights. Blake Lawson had thought life had gotten back to normal after the mystery of who was sabotaging his family's wildlife sanctuary had been solved. All too soon he realized that danger still lurked as Paradise pressed on in her investigation to discover the identity of her parents' murderer. Coble keeps the tension high throughout Conspiracy. While the ending is truly satisfying, readers will not be ready for the book or the series to end. This series is written in the style that put Coble's name on my list of favorite mystery authors years ago.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Spy Keeper of Marseille by Roseanna M. White

  

It's been a long time since I've read a really good WW II novel. This story was a great one with which to return to the genre. The fact that it involved the French resistance is a bonus for me. The Spy Keeper of Marseille emphasizes that each of us has strengths and talents that can be utilized in causes that we are passionate about. We must be willing to be brave and to make sacrifices for what is right. Zelie Bellarose, widowed mother of two children who live with their grandmother while their mother works as a keeper of spies, exemplifies this as does pianist Marcel Laurent. Together they rally the fine arts world into an alliance to spy on enemy soldiers and leaders. This book's themes, the intrigue, and the danger are all well written and compliment one another.

I highly recommend The Spy Keeper of Marseille and am to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.