Mercy's Child by Richard Paul Evans - A Book Review

Mercy's Child is a fictional account heavily based on the real life events of Etta Angell Wheeler's work to save one little girl from a life of extreme abuse and neglect, sparking the birth of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Mrs. Wheeler along with the co-founders of the society were largely responsible for changes in society's and the law's views toward protecting children from abuse. Mrs. Wheeler is a model of putting God first and stepping out of both comfort and safety to help the most vulnerable among us.

Author Richard Paul Evans has obviously done his research for this writing project. He did an amazing job of not only presenting key events, but also the heart behind them. He provides both reading pleasure and inspiration. I highly recommend Mercy's Child and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Gallery Books via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

 

Where Hope Dwells by Elizabeth Ludwig - A Book Review

  

If you think you don't need to read this book because you have seen the TV movie, think again. While a short novel, this book includes more details and red herrings than the movie that make for a more satisfying mystery experience. While the book might classify as a cozy mystery, there is nothing cozy about a kidnapped infant. Once again Cheryl and Naomi are determined to solve the mystery and, if at all possible, set things to right again. The story approaches the theme of forgiveness from a variety of angles, fleshing out the theme more than one might expect in a fairly short novel. I recommend this novel which is a bit meatier than the first book in this series. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Where Hope Dwells from Guideposts via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Blessings in Disguise by Nancy Mehl - A Book Review

   

This book and series came recommended to me by a friend who is a huge fan of Amish fiction. I also streamed a couple of the movies based on this series before reading this book. Blessings in Disguise proved to hold true to the saying, “the book is better than the movie.” It is a sweet, cozy mystery, a quick read for those looking for something lighthearted. Having visited Sugarcreek a few years back, I felt the book held true to the essence of the small town. I did enjoy seeing Nancy Mehl's flexibility as a writer as the other books I have read of hers mostly involved serial killers. This book is very dissimilar to those. I recommend this book and series for those who are looking for something that is enjoyable but not too deep.

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

The Glades by Angela Hunt - A Book Review

  

This book gets five stars for originality, a seldom used setting, realistic characters, addressing authentic human concerns, intensity, unexpected plot twists, and a lesson about discovering who you are once all of life's trappings are stripped away and you have to identify which values will determine your next steps. I was sucked into this book from the first page and never felt its grip weaken until the final page. I highly recommend The Glades and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Hunt Haven Press via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Christmas Courier by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

  

The Christmas Courier is set in 1943 to 1944 Lyon, France, and highlights work of the French Resistance. (Make sure to read the Author's Note.) While the book may be short, it does not feel rushed and White still beautifully includes important lessons of faith that always grace her stories. This story includes holiday traditions to highlight biblical wisdom. Keen suspense, sweet romance, and intense drama are skillfully used as the vehicles to deliver these lessons and wisdom.

The Christmas Courier will make a wonderful selection for a personal read or for a gift this holiday season, or anytime. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Return to the Shack by William P. Young - A Book Review

  

When The Shack was first release, I read it, talked my husband into reading it, and then we bought quite a few copies as gifts for others whom we wanted to have the experience of reading this story. So, I was so excited to learn that a sequel was to be released. Unfortunately, I had an unsettled feeling as I read this book that did not go away. I can't place my finger on what caused it, but at the 52 percent mark on my Kindle, I chose to walk away. Nothing about the book has drawn me back to finish it even though I had made it just past the halfway mark. I imagine this book will be perfect for some reader, who will then tell others about it, and buy gift copies. It just won't be me. 

The Undercover Bookshop by Katherine Reay - A Book Review

  

Just because World War II was over didn't mean all the spies had returned home. Not all spies fit the stereotype. The Cold War years proved both of these things to be true. Katherine Reay makes the most of these facts as she leads readers into a place and time of great intrigue where only the most observant of people could piece together what was likely taking place behind closed doors.

Gemma Brown is a delightful character. While content with simple pleasures such as a cup of tea, a good book to read, and a comfortable bedsit to live in, Gemma strives to improve herself and her life. Her frequent rushing into new endeavors may have lead to brief brushes with disaster, readers will enjoy watching her self-confidence grow as she becomes more aware of her own strengths. Being driven by a sense of justice, a keen sense of observation, and a passion for mystery novels, Gemma begins to unravel something that British Intelligence had failed to do for quite some time.

Reay is able to weave a tense time in history, including the psychological toll it had on everyday life in the village of Great Rollright in Oxfordshire, England, with a spy mystery that would have made Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers proud. Reay has written the book in a way that made me feel as if I had stepped right into the story: meeting friends at the pub for dinner, bicycling long distances, and learning to bake right alongside our heroine. I highly recommend The Undercover Bookshop and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.