The View from Rainshadow Bay by Colleen Coble - A Book Review

  

     Colleen Coble can always be counted on for hours of reading enjoyment. Her latest novel, The View From Rainshadow Bay, is no exception. Coble consistently sets her romantic mysteries in locations that are intricately woven into the storyline. In this novel her readers will spend time in the Pacific Northwest with Shauna McDade, a young widow and single mom. Shauna’s life spun out of control beginning with her husband’s falling to his death while mountain climbing with his childhood friend, Zach Bannister. Now Shauna is in the uncomfortable position of having to rely on Zach, not only to fill in for her husband on a father and son outing, but to provide safe shelter for herself and her son Alex. As readers of romantic fiction could already guess, both Shauna and Zach find their feelings toward one another changing as they both share a living space as well as work together to solve a rash of murders in the small town of Lavender Tides.

     The theme of The View From Rainshadow Bay comes from Romans 8:28: And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. This is a verse that many of us have had to rely on when facing tough times, and we can find encouragement in Shauna’s story. That said, this book is not preachy in any way, and would be equally enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians. The mystery is intriguing, and Coble provides many possible antagonists for the reader to sort through in an effort to identify the murderer. The romance adds tension to the story without taking over.

     I thank NetGalley and the Thomas Nelson publishing company for providing me a copy of The View From Rainshadow Bay in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation. 

House of Purple Cedar - A Book Review

 

     This book is nothing like any I have read before. The structure of the book is unique. The story is told through the eyes and voice of a Choctaw woman as she reflects back on events from her childhood, events that demonstrate the deep wounds caused by racism and fear. Through her parents and especially through her grandparents, the story becomes one of forgiveness and love, and one of hard choices. While the story takes place in the 1800s, it speaks to today’s society. I would not say this book falls in the genre of Christian fiction, but it does carry a meaningful message and is on the recommended reading list for the United Methodist Women. I would recommend House of Purple Cedar to those who are looking for a read that will make them think, not to someone looking for a lighthearted, easy read. 

The Message on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson - A Book Review

    

     Emilie Rhodes wants nothing more that the opportunity to prove herself as a journalist. Her mother, and thus her editor in chief father, feel that pursuing more ladylike ventures is a better use of Emilie’s time. Will Emilie submit to their desires, or follow her calling, even if it means working for her father’s competing newspaper? Renowned orator, Noah Shaw has come to Beatrice, Nebraska to speak at the 1890 Chautauqua series. While there, might he be able to learn more about his family’s history from Colonel Josiah Barton? To add even more confusion, more difficult life choices, Emilie and Noah must sort through the feelings that are quickly developing between them.

     Whitson’s readers will not only enjoy the story of her leading characters, but there is a cast of secondary characters whose stories hold their own charm. Ladora, Colonel Barton’s housekeeper, is a woman of God, a woman who loves reaching out to those in need. Grace, his estranged sister, separated herself from Josiah and from God a long time ago. Is it too late for her? The Colonel himself, what has changed his life, and will he welcome Grace when he returns home? The Spring sisters, Emilie’s cousins, add structure and laughter to her life, and a longing for family to Noah’s. Bert, Emilie’s lifelong friend, will he notice the young lady who seeks his attention, and will he accept Noah into their midst? I encourage you to read and enjoy Emilie and Noah’s story.

Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason - A Book Review

     I am a huge Lynette Eason fan. I especially enjoyed her Hidden Identity and Elite Guardians series. This first book in her Blue Justice series has an interesting premise, lots of suspense and some unexpected surprises. It is the book that introduces us to the St. John family, a family of eight, largely made up of law enforcement officers. It focuses on Izzy St. John and a long-time family friend, Detective Ryan Marshall who is also the brother of Izzy’s murdered partner, Kevin Marshall. Their pursuit of Kevin’s murderer draws them into an investigation involving organized crime and dirty cops, some of which might be very close to home. While I did enjoy the book, and would recommend it, there were spots where I felt like I’d missed something, reread, and still felt like a piece was missing. These were few and far between, and I still thoroughly enjoyed this newest offering by Eason.

     I thank NetGalley and Baker Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of Oath of Honor in exchange for this honest review. I received no financial compensation. 

Praying for Strangers by River Jordan - A Book Review

   

     I was gifted Praying for Strangers by a good friend, and am very grateful. This thoughtful read about the work of prayers in others’ lives, and the work of praying in our own has given me pause to consider my own prayer life. Yesterday I heard a quote on K-LOVE radio asking if God answered all of your prayers, would it change anyone’s life but your own. While I don’t think my prayer life is so self-centered as to answer that question in the negative, I would have to say that frequently it would only change the lives of family, church family, friends, and those for whom they specifically ask prayer. So, while I am not stepping up to the resolution River Jordan made of praying daily for a stranger, I am striving to be more aware of the needs of strangers around me, and to lift them in prayer. I have even introduced myself and asked, “Is there any way I can pray for you today?” Thanks River Jordan for reminding me to slow down and be aware of those around me. 

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

     As soon as I heard about Laura Frantz’s new book, The Lacemaker, I began to search book sites to see when the release date might be or whether or not advanced reader copies might be available. Frantz’s reputation as a stellar author was of course one reason to be interested in this book, but for me the big draw was the setting, Colonial Williamsburg. Having visited there twice in recent months, I am enthralled with the stories of Colonial Williamsburg. The Lacemaker was not a disappointment, but rather a compelling read.

     Elisabeth Anne Lawson, daughter of the lieutenant governor of Virginia Colony, once a close friend of Lady Charlotte, the first lady of the colony, and her daughters, finds herself abandoned by both her father and her fiancé. She must make her own way in the midst of the rumblings of what will become known as the War for Independence. Fortunately, her mother, for whose return she awaits, taught her the skill of lacemaking, and what was once a form of entertainment becomes a vocation alongside her other needle skills. In order to ply her trade Elisabeth must take on a new identity, one apart from her family’s Tory reputation, and apart from the social status and protection she has always known.

     Noble Rynallt, independence man, master of Ty Mawr and Ty Bryn, and cousin to Elisabeth’s former fiancé, is struggling with trials of his own. While still mourning and dealing with guilt associated with his sister’s death, Noble seeks to take his place among those striving for independence from the mother country. Separated from his brother by a vast sea, and from his cousin by a vast difference in character, Noble has no close family with whom to share his joys or his burdens. Now he feels compelled to take Elisabeth under his arm of protection, while she strives to find her own sense of independence.

     Readers who have never visited Colonial Williamsburg will enjoy Frantz’s ability to place them directly on the streets of this town during the birth pains of our nation. For those who have visited, they will enjoy walking the streets once again, enjoying the memories of the Raleigh Tavern, Bruton Parish Church, the Governor’s Palace, and many other Colonial Williamsburg landmarks. I thank Revell Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Lacemaker in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation.