Where Wilted Flowers Bloom by Johanna Rojas Vann - A Book Review

  

While Vann tells a raw and honest story of grief following the loss of a child, she also tells a beautiful story about the value of inter-generational friendships. Sandra thought her family move to Nashville following the loss of their baby girl would help them all get a new start, but that was not how things worked out. Mark, a retired widower, became fast friends with his new neighbors. They filled his lonely hours and gave his days purpose. Mark provided Sandra a compassionate ear and heart, listening in a way those closest to her could not. Readers will be blessed as they immerse themselves in Mark and Sandra's story, and they will learn important life lessons that can be applied under broader circumstances. I give Where Wilted Flowers Bloom five stars.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own

A Little Latitude by Johnnie Alexander - A Book Review

  

This cozy mystery was the perfect break after several more serious books. I had read the first book in Guidepost Gift Shop Mysteries series, and had assumed this was the second. Upon reading, I could tell that I had missed one or two books, but that did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment of this book. I enjoyed it enough that I am going to check into reading the missed book(s).

The story continues to focus on Sarah Morgan and her new gift shop, Heavenly Presents. It has a Hallmark mystery feel to it as mysteries seem to fall into Sarah's lap. Like the first book in this series, A Little Latitude include some quirky characters, and this one has a budding romance. If you are in the mood for a light read, this is a good choice.

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

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

  

I have become familiar with the Jólabókaflóđ tradition in Iceland over the last few Christmas seasons. I searched the internet for the correct pronunciation and got a variety of answers, most varied on the sound of the last letter. The first four syllables are consistently presented as yo-la-bok-a, while the last can be found as flot, flod, and floth among other variations. The word translates in English to Christmas (or Yule) Book Flood. Roseanna M. White's novella The Christmas Book Flood uses the story of fictional characters Tatiana Eliasdottir and Anders Johannsson who both work for a publishing company called Sogufelagith, the Story Society, to tell of the birth of this tradition; which I will not spoil for you by explaining it here.

This wonderful novella is a quick read that book lovers of all types are likely to enjoy because of the tradition they will likely want to adopt. Those who enjoy a sweet romance will be especially pleased. The theme of miscommunication and its effect on self-esteem may have each of us examining our own assumptions as well as how our words and actions appear to others. Happy reading and merry Christmas!

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

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.