The Cost of Betrayal by Henerson, Pettrey and Eason - A Book Review

The Cost of Betrayal consists of three novellas focused on betrayal. The first of which is Betrayed by Dee Henderson. Ann Falcon, a retired police investigator, unearthed a murder weapon in a box of miscellaneous dresser drawer items she had purchased at an auction. Looking into the case convinced her that an innocent woman was behind bars. Once she had convinced her husband, who ran the Chicago FBI office, of this they pursued the release of the wrongly convicted woman and justice for the victim. While this story is set in America rather than Europe, fans of Julianna Deering's Drew Farthering series will likely enjoy this story. It had a fresh plot and was well written. While I would like to comment on the ending, I will avoid the spoiler.

The second novella is Deadly Isle by Dani Pettrey. Tennyson Kent, better known as Teni, owened Talbot Island which had been passed down in her family through generations. Members of the community leased their property from her. While Teni had the best interests of all the residents at heart, it was impossible to please everyone. The stress this caused, however, was currently second to the stress in her personal life as her engagement was unexpectedly broken. That coupled with the presence of Callen, her former boyfriend, who had betrayed her and fractured her heart, was just the background noise to the clamor inside her head wanting to know who was responsible for her cousin's death and the attacks on her own life. Even with the restrictions placed on her by a novella's length, Pettrey fleshed out a wonderful mystery with characters one wants to root for, and others one wants to see taken down.

The final novella is Code of Ethics by Lynette Eason. It was great to be back with the St. John family, this time focusing on the only person in the family with a non-law related career. Fortunately, Ruthie has picked up a lot from her mother and siblings over the years, and could therefore handle herself in dangerous situations. After surgically removing a bullet from a police detective, Ruthie interrupts someone in his room with murderous intentions. Detective Isaac Martinez is no longer sure who he can trust as he investigates corruption within the police department. Knowing his life is in danger, Ruthie chooses to spirit him away from the hospital thus becoming embroiled in his case. As always Lynette Eason hits the mark.

The Cost of Betrayal with its three novellas based upon that theme is a good read. All three award winning authors live up to their reputations. I recommend this book to their fans and to those mystery fans who have yet to discover these talented writers. I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Abolitionist's Daughter by Kathleen L. Maher - A Book Review

   

Maher's skill with the English language sets her apart in the best of ways. Her word choice creates eloquence, paints beautiful word pictures, and places the reader squarely in both time and place with her well-developed characters. Her research and depth of knowledge is readily apparent. Maher's dialogue flows smoothly and is believable. The reader sees both the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and the Maryland countryside as well as the horrors of battle scenes and prison camps. They see the hearts of abolitionists, slaves forcibly separated from their families, brothers torn apart by a country divided, those with misguided loyalties, and both those hardened and those broken by war's realities. Most importantly they see the hearts given to God and the healing of the forgiveness that follows.

Marietta Hamilton comes of an age where she is allowed to join her family's abolitionist missions. It is on such a mission that she becomes compelled to reunite a mother and son, and as a result falls in love with Ethan Sharpe, an honorable son of the south who chooses to take up her cause and to seek her hand in marriage. The obstacles that keep Marietta and Ethan apart seem to multiply over time, but their reliance on God and their dependence on His Word sees them through, even though, like many of us, they are tempted to and sometimes seek to help God along by pursuing plans of their own.

I always feel like I am taking a chance when I agree to review a book for a new-to-me author of whom I have received no specific recommendation from a friend. I am so glad that I took that chance on this author and this book, and I will gladly agree to review any other books she writes in the future. I am one of those readers who has several fiction and non-fiction books going at once. This time, all other reading was halted as I became immersed in The Abolitionist's Daughter. I thank Kathleen L. Maher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

In Times Gone By by Tracie Peterson - A Book Review

    

In Times Gone By is the third book in Peterson's Golden Gate Secrets series. Each of the books in the series focuses on one of the three leading female characters. I loved the first two books, but was not expecting this last one to be quite as intriguing as the others because Kenzie Gifford was my least favorite of these characters. I could not have been more wrong. This is my absolute favorite book in the series. Kenzie, who was once left at the altar and subsequently displayed behaviors that I found less than endearing, found her worth and her voice. If that weren't enough, her story and the story of Dr. Micah Fisher became filled with suspense with the reappearance of Arthur Morgan, the fiance that had jilted her. Their lives were further complicated by the spoiled cousin of Judith Whitley, who conspired with Arthur in her effort to free herself from Judith's guardianship. Altogether, it made for several hours of reading pleasure.

As in the previous books, In Times Gone By continues to stress the importance of caring for those less fortunate than ourselves. While the three couples were already working to assist the poor of San Francisco, the great earthquake and resulting fire made the need even greater. Today we have no less opportunities to reach out to those in need whether due to lack of education, economic setbacks, or natural disasters. Our world is ripe with opportunities for ministry. Peterson does a good job of utilizing her platform to bring the needs of the poor and disenfranchised to the forefront, and to assure her readers that finding solutions is within the realm of possibility. She does this while thoroughly entertaining her readers, and without sounding preachy.

I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing for providing me with a copy of In Times Gone By in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

A Secret to Die For by Lisa Harris - A Book Review

  

I always wonder how Lisa Harris pegs the American culture so well when she and her family have been missionaries in Africa for over thirteen years. However, she does it and she does it quite well. In A Secret to Die For Lisa deals with universal issues such as dealing with loss and having the courage to love. She also deals with first world concerns of cyber security, the enormity of our dependence on the electrical grid, and the fear that the loss of which will bring out the worst in humanity.

Psychologist, Grace Callahan has experienced the loss of her daughter to cancer and the loss of her husband to grief. Police detective, Nathaniel Quinn has experienced the loss of his partner and team to terrorists. Now these former college friends are thrown together in an effort to stop the loss of our nation's security, economy, and way of life, not to mention the loss of so many human lives to the work of those fueled by greed. Assault, home invasion, and kidnapping keep the readers on the edge of their seat, suspicion keeps them turning pages long into the night.

I am grateful to NetGalley and Revell for providing me with a copy of A Secret to Die For in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received to monetary compensation.

The Rock That Is Higher by Madeleine L'Engle

L'Engle wrote The Rock That is Higher in the aftermath of a terrible automobile accident. It would appear that the lengthy period of recuperation gave her time to muse over Christianity's place and roll in her life and life in general. L'Engle does not separate the spiritual and secular, but sees the ways in which the two are closely knit together. She sees God and Jesus as an intricate part of home, family, love and truth in the lives of believers.

L'Engle comes from a line of storytellers. She recognizes how humanity uses stories to enrich, explore, reveal, and teach. When reading and listening to stories Christians can see God in the truths that are uncovered. She makes the point that truth is not to be confused with facts. Fiction can be a wonderful vessel for truth. After all, didn't Jesus use parables to reveal truth?

While theologically I am not one hundred percent aligned with L'Engle. She graciously allows and encourages personal exploration and interpretation. Her writing gives the reader much to think about.

This book is written in a very personal style. The reader feels as if he or she is sitting across the table from the author with a cup of tea and an open family scrapbook. L'Engle reveals intimate moments from her life's experience in very poised prose. I thank NetGalley and Crown Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Rock That Is Higher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

This is Roseanna White's third book in her Shadows Over England series. While I have not read the first two, although I am very anxious to now, I had no difficulty following the story line of An Hour Unspent. Barclay Pearce is the head of an unusual family, a family made up of street youth and children who became brothers and sisters. While once they survived by doing whatever they deemed necessary, including conning, pick pocketing, and other forms of thievery, led by Barclay the family has turned itself around, now relying on Christ and honest work to meet their needs. Barclay is especially inspired by Ephesians 4:28. Evelina Manning is the only child of Cecil Manning, a clockmaker who dabbles in applying his skills to other endeavors, most recently to creating a synchronized gear that could be of great importance to the Royal Naval Air Force. Barclay is assigned to work with and encourage the clockmaker, but it is Evelina who endears him.

The themes of this book are becoming a new creature in Christ, loving and caring for the “least of these,” and equality among all people. Heady stuff, but well presented within a captivating story. This book will challenge the reader to engage in some soul searching and self-evaluation. Things that are good when, as White's characters suggest, they are done while looking through the eyes of Christ.

I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy of An Hour Unspent in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

In Dreams Forgotten by Tracie Peterson - A Book Review

      

     In Dreams Forgotten is the second book in Peterson's Golden Gate Secrets series. It is set in the early 1900s San Francisco. In the first book the mystery of Camri Coulter's missing brother is solved. This book focuses on the search for Judith Gladstone's aunt and any other living relatives that she and her friends could locate. Their search has unexpected results and consequences, ones that will take readers by surprise and keep them engaged with the story. Judith's search is not limited to her family, she is also searching for God, His will, and a closer relationship with Him. Camri's brother, Caleb, becomes her mentor on this quest, and they discover a relationship growing between them as well.

     Tracie Peterson's books always provide an entertaining read. She develops characters that charm their way into her readers' hearts. Peterson includes Christian insights in a way that compliments the story without ever appearing forced. I thank NetGalley and Bethany House for providing me with a copy of In Dreams Forgotten in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Freedom's Light by Colleen Coble - A Book Review

   

     I have been a big fan of Colleen Coble's mysteries for a long time, but this is the first of her historical novels that I have read. While her voice is different in this genre, it is just as delightful.

     Freedom's Light takes place during the American Revolution. Hannah Thomas has fled an distressing situation in her hometown in South Carolina, married an older man, for whom she has great respect but little passion, and moved to the coast of Massachusetts. When her husband answers the call to serve in the military, Hannah finds herself as a young widow and keeper of a lighthouse. She has no friends in the legalistic Congregational Church and no support from her late husband's family. Only her deep love for God sustains her during long, lonely days and from the repercussions of her nontraditional attitudes. God provides for Hannah in some very unexpected ways. The reader will easily become immersed in Hannah's story, feeling the “waves” that batter her like the ocean waves batter the ships off the coast from her lighthouse.

      I recommend Freedom's Light to historical fiction and romantic fiction fans. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer - A Book Review

     

     This story touched my heart in such a deep way that I felt compelled to message the author my gratitude when I was about three fourths of the way through the book. Reading this book felt like looking into a mirror from a variety of angles. While not everyone will have that experience, everyone will be touched by the depth of emotion evoked by Kim Vogel Sawyer through the lives of Hazel, Diane and Meghan DeFord.

     Hazel had lived most of her life with a childhood secret that continued to impact the next two generations of her family. The secret's revelation and the restoration that followed could only have been orchestrated by God. Bringing Maggie Home is an intensely emotional story of forgiveness, hope, and faith. Ultimately it is a story of peace, the peace that passes all understanding.

     I think NetGalley and WaterBrook for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Salt Garden by Cindy Martinusen - A Book Review

  

     I read this book in fits and snatches between advanced reader copies of books I'd committed to review. This book deserved better. It deserved a long snowy or rainy weekend, or a vacation retreat. It deserved cuddling up with a favorite hot beverage and the quilt your grandma made. I love it when I discover such treasure that has been on my bookshelf just waiting to be discovered.

I was in the last chapter when I mentioned to my husband that I still had not discovered how this book got its title, then there it was on the very last page, and a more perfect title there couldn't have been. “What comes from sorrow, watered by tears, grows something of beauty. A salt garden.” The reader of course must then stop and reminisce about their own salt gardens, the ones so tenderly nurtured. That being said, please don't let me leave you with the idea that this story is characterized by sorrow. No indeed! It is characterized by beauty: the beauty of three stories melded together, the beauty of the lives of three women from three different times but in one place held in common, and the beauty of the author's words. It was the beauty of the language that caused me to want to dwell in this book rather than be satisfied with brief visits.

     Josephine Vanderook was rescued following a shipwreck in 1905. She washed up on the shore of Orion Point. Many aboard that ship were not so fortunate among them her husband, the ship's builder. The cause of the shipwreck would remain a mystery for almost a century. Reclusive writer, Sophia Fleming had lived on Orion Point since she was a small girl, only she and her childhood friend, Ben, remained. Ben was her only connection between her and the outside world of the nearby community of Harper's Bay. Having fled from New York society following a tragedy that personally was of epic proportions, Sophia had found it more and more difficult to reenter society of any type. Claire O'Rourke, a budding journalist, gets stranded after a trip home to Harper's Bay, then finds herself tethered there by unexpected circumstances. The lives of these three women become entangled, and through her connection to the others, Sophia discovers the opportunity to once again grasp hold of life, but is she strong enough and determined enough to seize that opportunity?

     I encourage those who like to read books that do more than entertain to spend some time in this one. I hope that your own salt gardens have become a thing of beauty.

Christmas By the Sea by Melody Carlson - A Book Review

   

     Carlson has written over two hundred books among which are many Christmas stories. All of the ones I've read, including Christmas By the Sea, are sweet, encouraging holiday stories that would make wonderful Hallmark type Christmas movies.

     Wendy Harper and her son Jackson are headed to Maine to see the seaside cottage she often visited while growing up, the one she had inherited from her grandfather. While Jackson dreams of making a permanent move to Maine, Wendy must face the reality that selling the cottage is the only way to pay off the debts incurred during her husband's battle with cancer. While the characters are endearing, the ending is somewhat predictable, and in true Christmas movie tradition includes a rapidly progressing romance. The main theme of the story is trusting in God's provision.

     If you would like a sweet, quick read, this book fits the bill. I thank NetGalley and Revell for providing me with a copy of Christmas By the Sea in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick - A Book Review

     

     Jane Kirkpatrick never disappoints. Her research is meticulous. Many of her books tell the story of real life pioneer women, women who had a lasting impact. Everything She Didn't Say tells the story of Cassie (Dell) Strahorn, the wife of writer, railroad investor, and town-builder, Robert Strahorn. While Cassie never had the children she longed for, she managed to keep a positive outlook on life, and eventually found avenues for her creative and nurturing instincts. Her life reached physical, emotional and spiritual mountain tops as well as plunged into deep valleys and caverns. With the help of her faith she lived beyond both the heights and depths. Like Paul, she eventually learned to be content in all circumstances.

     I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction. They will appreciate how diligently Kirkpatrick works to give an honest interpretation of the life and times of her characters. The author's note contains interesting information and she clarifies fact from fiction. Kirkpatrick's writing style encourages the reader to slow down and take time with the story; it is something to be savored. I thank NetGalley and Revell for providing me with a copy of Everything She Didn't Say in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.