Getting Through What You Can't Get Over by Anita Agers-Brooks - A Book Review

    

Intense is the best word I can think of to describe this book. The personal stories of people who have been through PTSD inducing situations are just that, intense. Some I had to abandon because of the depth of suffering. That said, the author follows up each story with good, practical advise for dealing with great adversity. I especially like the final chapter entitled Valley Freedom. Her twelve-step map to guide one through dark valleys is quite powerful. (Not to be confused with a twelve-step program)

If you or a loved one has gone through a difficult time that has been difficult to recover from, I would highly recommend Getting Through What You Can't Get Over. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation. 

Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes - A Book Review

   

I started this book puzzling over the structure of the title. After finishing it, I believe I would have entitled it Whose Stones Are These or A Whole Lot of Light. Whatever you call it, this book is a rose, a white rose that symbolizes new beginnings and remembrance. While roses don't linger, Robert Bliss's stone monument would live long, holding the memories of generations of soldiers and their families.

Whose Waves These Are is built on the themes of grieving and truly living. There are times when one cannot do the latter without succeeding at the prior, whether grieving the loss of a person or the loss of an opportunity. This story will resonate in the reader's heart as Robert, William and Annie's story unfolds. I am grateful to have receive a copy of Whose Waves These Are from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Sweet on You by Becky Wade - A Book Review

    

I requested the opportunity to read and review this book because I had become familiar with the author, Becky Wade, through her Pinterest challenges with author Katie Ganshert. Based on the title I had expected a sweet romance, which it was, but I was very pleased to discover that it was also based around a mystery. I truly enjoyed Sweet on You and its theme of giving up self-reliance for reliance on God. Our culture esteems those who display self-reliance, but in actuality it is stepping out in faith to rely on God that matters most. This story is only made more endearing by the fact that the female main character is a master chocolatier and the male an up and coming author. A winning combination indeed!

I am grateful to have received a copy of Sweet on You from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart - A Book Review

    

Ann H. Gabhart's books never fail to provide a pleasurable reading experience. The Refuge revolves around a Shaker village in the mid-1800s. There were those living among the earnest Shakers who were there simply because they had no place else to go. Among those was a young widow, Sister Darcie, who had come with her husband to escape a cholera epidemic. After her husband was killed in an accident, Sister Darcie learned that she was with child. A deep longing to be mother rather than sister to her child weighed heavily on Darcie's heart and mind.

Leatrice, daughter of widower Flynn Keller, came to temporarily live among the Shakers in order to provide for her safety and education. Her father visited her often, and he couldn't help but ponder the situation Sister Darcie appeared to be in, that and her beautiful smile. Might there be a way to solve both of their problems?

I learned a great many things about the Shaker lifestyle and beliefs while reading this book. This added to the enjoyment of the story itself. It makes me want to plan a day trip to the Shaker village at Pleasant Hill near Lexington, Kentucky. I am sure Gabhart's characters will fill the walkways and staircases there, at least in my mind's eye.

I highly recommend The Refuge to fans of historical fiction. I appreciate having received a copy from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd - A Book Review

    

Set in England in 1811, this is the story of Delia Greythorne and the children for whom she cared. Each of them has experienced great hurt and loss in their lives which has forged a bond between them. Now once again their lives are in a state of upheaval as they are forced to move to a new home with the children's uncle whom they don't really know. Jac Twethewey is a bachelor living in a large house on an estate that he is desperately trying to keep afloat. He was totally unprepared for the arrival of his nieces and nephew, let alone their beautiful governess and taciturn tutor. Finally, as everyone is beginning to settle into their situation, it seems as if Mrs. Greystone's past has returned to haunt them all.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall has it all: historical elements, romance, a mysterious past, and intrigue. This one well definitely keep you up long into the night. While some of the story structure follows along the lines of what one would expect in a historical romance, Ladd has included plenty of surprises and suspense to hold her readers' interest.

I was happy to have received a complimentary coy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere - A Book Review

   

     The Artful Match is the third book in Delamere's London Beginnings series. Delamere is a new-to-me author, and as such, I had not read the first two books in the series. Fortunately the book's prologue gives just enough background information to help a new reader, and not enough to spoil their wanting to go back and read the previous books. I certainly enjoyed The Artful Match enough to want to read other books by this author, and enough to want to know the stories of the main character's two sisters and their father.

     Caroline (better known as Cara) Bernay had been serving the Needenham family as a governess for their four-year-old son Robbie for almost two years prior to a disastrous outing that led to her dismissal. Vowing never to serve as a governess again, Cara headed to London to connect with one of her sisters, not knowing that Julia was out of the country with her new husband. While she'd never considered using her artistic talents to support herself, finding herself alone on the streets of London and meeting a fellow artist gave rise to that possibility. Langham Burke, brother of the Earl of Morestowe, took Cara under his wing, finding her a temporary home and opportunities within the art community. His brother, Henry, was captivated by Cara's beauty and her ability to work with his wayward ward, but his responsibilities as Earl and his family's dwindling finances dictated where his attentions must lie.

     The Artful Match deals with themes of honesty, integrity and the importance of character over station. While the aristocracy does not carry quite the same stature as it did in the late 1800s, there are elements of social status and the class structure that continue to insert themselves. The idea of being a person of high character who can rise above one's current circumstances resonates across time. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Tinderbox by Beverly Lewis - A Book Review

   

The Tinderbox is the first book about Earnest Miller's Plain family, to be followed by The Timepiece in the fall of 2019. Earnest Miller was raised an Englisher although he had always enjoyed spending time with his Old Order Mennonite grandparents. So it was not surprising that after the death of his parents and other life altering events he chose to seek a life among the Amish, the Plain folk. What was surprising was how those events from his past would come back to haunt him more than twenty years later, and how they would be brought to light.

Beverly Lewis has developed a story that probes the themes of honesty and forgiveness, of the value of seeking wisdom from the Lord and from those who have more life experience and spiritual wisdom than we currently possess ourselves. She has developed characters who have the opportunity to allow Christ to help them in the storm or to allow the waves to have their way. Her readers' hearts will be touched by the joy and the pain experienced by Earnest Miller and his family, and they may be led to meditate on the how their own choices impact the lives of those they love.

While it felt like this book got off to a slow start, by the time I had finished it, I was glad that I had read it. I look forward to the continuing story in The Timepiece. I am grateful to have received a copy of The Tinderbox from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

My Promise by Noah Bolinder- A Book Review

    

Remember when you were a kid and you had to get through a meal of Brussels sprouts or broccoli, made palatable by bites of mashed potatoes and gravy or meatloaf, to get to dessert? Hmmmm, that chocolate cake or apple pie! The food on that dinner plate seemed to last so long, but the dessert was devoured so quickly. Fortunately here the space leading up to dessert is quite short, and Bolinder's readers can feast on dessert for most of the book. I was happy to have read through the first five chapters, gathering background knowledge, but once I got to the sixth chapter, there was dessert!

Noah Bolinder has created something unique in My Promise. His incorporation of the music and films of modern culture gives the story a new dimension. (The reader will find themselves searching YouTube and Netflix to see the parallels for themselves.) The truths Noah reveals so carefully as the story progresses will speak across generations. My Promise is a beautiful, intricate work of apologetics. It is a story that must be shared.

I am very grateful to have received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Verity by Lisa T. Bergren - A Book Review

    

Verity picks up the story of The Sugar Baron's Daughters much where Keturah left off, focusing on the middle daughter. Verity pursues her desire to become a merchant on the island of Nevis where she and her sisters reside, much to the consternation of many of the islanders. To go much past that, this review would be rife with spoilers. Something, I will not do. I can say that I most highly recommend this book, but strongly suggest reading the series in sequential order. You will be glad that you did.

Lisa Bergren gives her readers the feel of the West Indies as well as crowded colonial cities. Her dialogue is believable and evokes strong emotions and empathy for her characters. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Whimsical Cross-Stitch by Cari Buziak

     

Whimsical Cross-Stitch is a treat! The book begins with just a few pages of basic instructions including clear illustrations and descriptions. Then there are more than 130 cross-stitch designs across five categories. On my first flip through I immediately spotted several that I can't wait to stitch. A colored picture is provided for each design. Cross-stitchers will love this book.

I received a copy of Whimsical Cross-Stitch from Dover Publications in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

You Can Achieve Normal Blood Sugar by Dennis Pollock - A Comment on This Book

 

This book may be ideal for those who are interested in reading the author's personal experience and success in controlling his diabetes. The work focuses almost totally on the importance of testing your blood regularly to inform your eating decision making. My husband has not been told by the doctor yet that he needs to be using a glucose monitor, so this book wasn't really what I personally was looking for at this time. I would recommend it to someone who would like to know more about using Mr. Pollock's method to control diabetes, and to someone who has access to a glucose monitor.

I am grateful to have received a copy form Harvest House Publications via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation. 

The Memory House by Rachel Hauck - A Book Review

   

'Beauty from ashes' is the phrase that best describes the stories of Everleigh Applegate and Beck Holiday. Both women had experienced great loss and grief. Both traveled an unexpected road to healing after years of living mostly within themselves. Allowing oneself to love and experience being loved is often difficult when trying to shield oneself from the pain of loosing another loved one. The Memory House is a story of God's provision and the patient love of two men who wanted these women to truly love again. It is a story of perseverance and forgiveness.

If you are seeking a poignant love story with places that bring a huge smile to your face, The Memory House is a good pick for you . I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Loving My Actual Neighbor by Alexandria Kuykendall - A Book Review

     

If you are looking for a practical, Scriptural devotional for your private study time, this is it. If you are looking for a practical, Scriptural study for your small group, this is it. (This book is geared more for women, and possibly couples.) The morning that I finished this book, I knew that I would begin rereading it the following morning. There was just too many great ideas to take in on the first read through.

Kuykendall's words are both encouraging and convicting. She describes circumstances which I now see as loving my neighbor that I would not have thought of in that way because they occur naturally without great effort or sacrifice. She also describes circumstances that challenge and motivate me to be more intentional. While Kuykendall's life as a young mother in an urban neighborhood is much different from mine as a retired grandmother in a small town, her content relates well in both situations, and is easily generalized to many more.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Loving My Actual Neighbor from Baker Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Justice Delivered by Patricia Bradley - A Book Review

    

Once again Bradley has crafted a tale of suspense that will have readers second guessing their predictions as to who the bad guys really are. This story takes on the difficult subject of human trafficking and greed's power to suppress human decency, putting gain before true human value. It also deals with the power of forgiveness and the freedom it can bring, a type of freedom no one can take away.

Having been trafficked after attending a party at her date's home, Carly Smith spent eight years in slavery. After escaping, reconnecting with her former life had seemed impossible. Her one attempt had seemingly ended in tragedy. Now she was back in her hometown on a mission to find those involved, a mission that would imperil many to whom she would have wished to be close.

I thank Patricia Bradley for providing a suspenseful read that kept me highly engaged for hours. I also thank Revell for providing me with a copy of Justice Delivered via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer - A Book Review

    

A Silken Thread may take place in 1895, but the characters struggle with many of the same things we do today. Kim Vogel Sawyer always gives her readers characters to identify with and much food for thought. Laurel Millard and Willie Sharp both desire a loving marriage and children, but they also both want to fulfill their responsibilities to their aging parents. Langdon Rochester is more concerned with his own desires, and is seemingly unconcerned with the hopes and needs of others, although he may be more driven by the desire for his father's approval than he realizes. Quincy Tate is easily offended and has a difficult time controlling his temper. Miss Eloise Warner is living in the shadow of thirty-year-old grief and loneliness. I imagine many of us can see ourselves or loved ones among these characters. We can certainly see elements of today's society.

One of the hardest parts of this story is that the reader can see pain and discouragement on the horizon. One of the wonderful things is knowing how this genre of historical romance generally works, and having an author who helps her characters navigate difficult circumstances in a way that maintains a grasp on her readers' interest.

I am grateful to have received a copy of A Silken Thread from Waterbrook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens - A Book Review

    

Inspired by the story of Ruth and Naomi, Stephens has crafted a story of love and sacrifice, of loyalty and renewal. Rena, a young Indian woman, is widowed after an all too brief marriage to Edric, an English soldier stationed in India, having moved their with his parents years before. Dedicated to her mother-in-law, Nell, also recently widowed, Rena decided to accompany her back to England and to see that she is cared for. Survival for the two women becomes a struggle as door after door is closed to them due to prejudices over Rena's Indian heritage. Lord Barric, much to the chagrin of many, extends them Christian charity in the form of food and shelter. Where Stephens takes the story from there puts a fresh face on the usual story line of historical romance, one readers will quite enjoy.

A secondary character that cannot go without mention as one reflects on Shadow Among Sheaves is Parson Richardson. He is truly an example of seeking to model one's life after the example of Christ. The parson is the type of Christian one would like to know and to be. His non-judging, accepting, generous lifestyle and his winsome ways draw both the story's main characters and readers to want to know this Lord of whom he speaks.

I look forward to reading more books by this author and am grateful to have received a copy of Shadow Among Sheaves in exchange for my honest opinion from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Golden Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

     

San Francisco has been known for its periods of corruption. This was true during the time of the great Gold Rush, a very dark time in the city's history. The living conditions in tent communities was undisciplined and unhygienic. Prices of goods were unbridled. Human trafficking abounded, along with every manor of vice. Swindling and thievery were commonplace. This is the environment that Olivia Livingston Brighton, a young widow, found herself in as she sought her brother and his protection. Daniel Livingston, a Christian, honest businessman, and restaurateur, along with his best friend, Joseph Sawyer, also a Christian and an owner of a gold mine, worked diligently to improve conditions in their city, and to spread the truth of Christ. Olivia was welcomed into their lives and eagerly joined their efforts. Each of them were willing to sacrifice their lives in these endeavors.

The Golden Bride is the latest installment in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Readers will be happy to reflect on previous characters as Olivia is inspired by the words of her ancestors, Mary Elizabeth Chapman and Faith Lytton Weber, as she reads their journals which have been saved and passed down through generations of her family. Kimberley Woodhouse has given us another treasure to enjoy and truths to embrace within the covers of this book. I am happy to have received this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Beauty in Battle by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

     

Beauty in Battle is the final book in Robin Patchen's Beauty in Flight series. In it she brings closure to Harper Cloud and Jack Rossi's story. The ending was, at least for me, unexpected. It was the type of ending I love, one that was not obvious, but also didn't pull a character one was totally unfamiliar with out of the hat to solve the who-done-it, and in this case the why-in-the-world-did-they-do-it. Once again Patchen did not disappoint.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Beauty in Battle from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.