Wednesday, March 20, 2024

A Noble Scheme by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

 

  

The Codebreakers has been my all time favorite Roseanna M. White series, but I think it is going to have to move over and make room for The Imposters. I have so enjoyed reading the first two books about the lovable, quirky characters that make up the investigation team known as The Imposters. This second book in the series has two very interesting storylines. The first is, of course, the case that they are currently investigating, a kidnapping case involving a ten-year-old boy, a case of mistaken identity. The second, a sad yet poignant story of a loving couple whom circumstances have driven apart, a story of unforgiveness, and a story of turning one's face away from God. The saddest part of the advanced reader copy I received was the page that said that the final book of this series will be available in November of this year. I will miss these characters and am sad to see the series end with the next book. I certainly hope they will make cameo appearances in some of White's future novels. As always with White's books, A Noble Scheme is well thought out. Information in this book and in its connections to the first one is carefully woven together and released at just the right moment. Much to my satisfaction, the ending was not rushed, the author was generous with the time and space she allowed for bringing the story to a meaningful conclusion. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Noble Scheme from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 





Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

  

Set in Stone is the second book in Kimberley Woodhouse's Treasure of the Earth series. It is the character that remains in the shadows for most of the story that holds the reader's attention. A serial killer lurks in their midst and Martha Jankowski is completely unaware. Martha is focused on fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a full-fledged paleontologist. In those efforts, Martha is leading a dig in competition with another for the right to display a full dinosaur skeleton in a Denver museum. While rules are in place to keep the competition above board, someone is pulling strings to cause increased tension between the competitors.

An important part of this story revolves around the compatibility between the Christian faith based on the Bible and science, specifically paleontology. While not all of the questions often posed are answered, one can appreciate the characters wrestling and coming to terms with what seems contradictory to many. One also has to appreciate the author's perseverance in gifting readers with a wonderful story while also caring and grieving for a beloved family member.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Set in Stone from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.




Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn - A Book Review

   


I am a long time fan of Lynn H. Blackburn's writing, and this novel is my favorite thus far. The romance between two wounded souls gives the story the emotional element that bonds characters and readers. The intense suspense is what grasps the readers' attention and keeps them highly engaged. While some elements are likely only to occur in books or movies, it doesn't spoil the heart of the story. Never Fall Again is a multi-themed book focusing most on emotional healing, healthy familial relationships, and honoring God. These themes are well-developed within this gripping tale.

I am looking forward to the second book in Blackburn's Gossamer Falls series, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this first book of the series from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson - A Book Review

  

I read the second book in Barbour Publishing's A Day to Remember series, and was so touched by it that I had to go back and read the first book in the series, When the Waters Came. Like the second book, When the Waters Came had me searching online for the details of the disaster, this one a flood that struck Johnstown, Pennsylvania on May 31, 1889. The story includes several historical characters including Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross and Doctor Hamilton, Surgeon General of the United States along with Henry Clay Frick and Andrew Carnegie, members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club. Many blamed the club and its members for the collapse of its dam that caused the flood. The two central fictional characters are Annamae Worthington, A Red Cross nurse, and Pastor Monty Childs. The themes of struggling with why God allows such devastation, the harm in holding grudges and seeking vengeance, and forgiveness of those deemed responsible are key to this disaster story as well as to current disasters and the daily misfortunes of life.

I highly recommend When the Waters Came, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. This is a well-researched novel with authentic sounding dialogue, and writing that evokes vivid mental images. 





Friday, March 1, 2024

   

July 6, 1944 was a day to remember, but not for a happy reason, but rather for a tragedy. It was on this day that 168 people died and more than 700 were injured in Hartford, Connecticut as a fire spread and brought down a Ringling Brothers, and Barnum & Bailey Circus big top. As horrible asa that was, it could have been so much worse at 6,000 to 8,000 people were in attendance. While Rhonda Dragomir tells the story around her fictionalized characters, her research is evident as she includes the events of that day, and honors some of the victims by including parts of their stories. The emotions in this story swing from deep relief to gut-wrenching grief, from stalwart resolution to mind-numbing weakness. Readers will deeply empathize with Evelyn Benson as she searches for her family, marvel at her brother as he heroically saves lives, and root for Hank Webb as he seeks to help Evelyn while he wrestles with his past. They will be inspired by Bernice Riegel's selflessness as she offers all she has to give.

This novel spurred my interest in the original events of July 6, 1944, and I found myself frequently researching online to learn more. I highly recommend When the Flames Ravaged, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 




Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Trapped in Yosemite by Dana Mentink - A Book Review

  


With dozens of books to her name, surprisingly Dana Mentink is a new-to-me author. I will be on the look out for her titles in the future. Trapped in Yosemite is a wonderful suspense novel. I don't usually like books in which the romance develops too quickly, in this book that wasn't an issue as Von Sharpe and Stella Rivers has once been engaged. That ended eighteen months before an earthquake and a murderer threw them back together. Finding their way in extreme circumstances and adjusting to the changes that had occurred in their lives over their time apart both helped and hindered in defining their new relationship, or if there was ever to be a relationship. Being trapped at the Mountain Dog Wilderness Guides Camp with dwindling resources, fractious campers, and a murderer lurking about with his sights on Stella, caused a roller coaster of emotions in both Von and Stella, and that wasn't even the half of it! Mentink has written a believable suspense story that highlights God's grace and His willingness to give repentant people second chances, something we need to be willing to do as well.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Trapped in Yosemite from Harlequin via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.



Saturday, February 24, 2024

Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary by Charles R. Swindoll

  


Typically I consult commentaries when I am looking for more information on a particular verse or section of Scripture. I recently read the book of Revelation along with Charles Swindoll's commentary on that book. I had read Revelation straight through many times, but I gleaned so much more this time thanks to Swindoll's knowledge and his ability to connect things together in ways I would never have seen on my own. I was so excited about how this commentary enlightened my understanding of this Scripture, and I had stopped so many times to share insights with my husband, that we purchased the entire fifteen volume set of this New Testament Commentary for both ourselves and one for our son who is a pastor. I am now a little over halfway through the first volume that covers Matthew Chapters One through Fifteen. My own grasp of this book of the Bible was already greater than my understanding of the symbolism and imagery of the book of Revelation, but I am still excited about the new things I am learning. I highly recommend this set of commentaries, and look forward to reading through the New Testament with greater understanding compliments of Dr. Swindoll's wonderful writing and teaching style.