Taken By Storm by Jan Fields - A Book Review

   

Sarah Morgan is preparing so solve a new mystery in Port Huron, but another comes along that she may not be as prepared for. Beth Brewster, a local historian and storyteller, approaches Sarah about looking into a family mystery that two previous generations have been unable to solve, a mystery involving a promise made by Beth’s great grandmother that has remained unfulfilled. Beth’s family would truly love to be able to keep the promise for the recipient’s family, but her identity remains a mystery. Sarah notices a community blessing box outside the library where she first met Beth, and quickly pursues getting one placed outside her store in order to help those in her community experiencing hunger. When the box is vandalized, she is at a loss as to who would do such a thing and how to determine their identity.

The main theme of Taken By Storm revolves around displaying the character of God through acts of service. This is something many think of during the holiday season, but opportunities abound year round. This book is an entertaining, cozy mystery, and is one of my top two favorites of this series thus far. It also has the potential of being very inspiring for those who allow themselves to thoughtfully reflect on the theme.

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

Sisterchicks in Sombreros by Robin Jones Gunn - A Brief Comment

  

This is just a quick note about my second reading of this book so that it will be counted in my total of books read this year. I enjoyed this book more than I had anticipated. While the trip the sisters took and the way it progressed isn’t one I would want to be a part of, the impact it had on the characters’ lives was inspiring. It made me think about how difficult and unexpected events can transform us in ways that grow our relationship with Christ. I am glad that I chose to revisit this series, and look forward to moving on to book four. 

Not My Circus: Living with Courage, Conviction, and Compassion in a World of Chaos by Mark Batterson - A Book Review

  

Mark Batterson has obviously given much thought and research into the manner in which Christians can remain spiritually healthy, avoid being transformed by the world, and respond to others in a Christ-like way while interacting on social media and in person within our current social environment. Does he make it sound easy? No, but he does make it sound,with a great deal of intentionality, possible.

Batterson packs a great deal of information into 314 pages, but he does add phrases, mnemonic devices of sorts, to help readers retain the essence of the principles he is teaching. Still, this is a book that readers will likely want to revisit as they encounter situations that leave them pondering the best way to respond. Batterson covers a lot of topics which fall under a large umbrella, and seamlessly moves between those topics. He includes enough humor to sweeten the lessons, making them more palatable, and reduces defensive responses to some of those which may hit very close to home.

I highly recommend this book as a resource for Christians living in today's society. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Not My Circus from Penguin Random House Christian Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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.