The Refrain Within by Liz Tolsma

 

While The Refrain Within is the third book in Tolsma's Music of Hope series, I did not feel like I missed background information important to understanding the story. As a matter of fact, prior to looking back at the front matter, I assumed it was the first of a series. I certainly would like to know what happens next in the lives of the major players in this story. The Refrain Within is an emotional tale of the impact of World War II on Jews in Hungary and those who loved them. It is also a tale of how music feeds the soul, especially during great trials, and of course how true faith in Christ grows when tested. The story is very well written, and will linger in the readers' thoughts long after it is finished.

I am grateful to have received a copy of The Refrain Within from Gilead Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn - A Book Review

 

The Harbinger is written as a narrative, but is filled with well documented facts. The author, Jonathan Cahn, leads the Hope of the World ministries and the Jerusalem Center/Beth Israel Worship Center. His insight connecting the Holy Scriptures to current events is truly amazing. My husband was reading the book at the same time I was, but had less time to devote to it so my bookmark was always ahead of his. I would start to talk to him about something, and then say that I didn't want to spoil the effect of how Cahn revealed connections. I cannot wait until he's finished and we can talk about this book together. I am more than grateful to have been gifted this book, and its sequel by my friend, Maryanne. What a blessing! I would like to say so much more, but let it suffice to say that I have ten pages of type written notes from this book, and it would be ever so much better if you read it for yourself. 

   

Love Quest by Noah Bolinder - A Book Review

 

I was thrilled when Noah Bolinder offered me an advanced reader copy of Love Quest. I had read his book My Promise, and had given it a five star review only because that was the highest option, it deserved more. While My Promise was a fiction piece that spoke truths, Love Quest is a non-fiction piece that delves into deep truths. It is certainly not a book that can be rushed through; rather the reader needs time to reflect and let the truths mined from God's Word be synthesized with one's own knowledge of and experience with His Word. I found nothing that contradicted with what I knew, or thought I knew, but I found much that sharpened my knowledge, taking it to a new level. The book also stoked my already growing sense of urgency to help others understand Christ's love for them. Bolinder takes the reader through a logical progression to demonstrate how God uses love and marriage as a type, a model or reflection, to point towards the relationship He desires to have with us through Christ. While the author does not spend words on discussing how Satan has worked to tarnish this, the reader will easily make these inferences. The author does spend words focusing on what is true, right and lovely (see Philippians 4:8). I am very grateful to have received this book without obligation. While all opinions expressed here are my own, I encourage others to read this book and find blessings of their own.

Remember Me by Mario Escobar - A Book Review

 

I had very little background knowledge about the Spanish Civil War, and found this book intriguing as it expanded that knowledge. The book's dedication demonstrates the depth of the author's connection to the children and families impacted by this war. He writes with a strong first person voice that connected me as well. Children living in exile and removed from their parents; brothers and sisters struggling to remain together; adults who should be protectors being negligent, abusive, or both: these are the things that tug hard at the reader's heartstrings.

Mario Escobar is a very talented writer whose books I seek out. I highly recommend them to all who appreciate well-written, well-researched historical fiction built on themes that matter. I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of Remember Me from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer - A Book Review

 

If you loved The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek, you will love The Librarian of Boone's Hollow. The story is set first in Lexington and then in Boone's Hollow, Kentucky in 1936. The country is still struggling following the stock market crash of '29, and Addie Cowherd's world has just come crashing down. Suddenly she finds herself dismissed from school with no place to go, and only a part time job. Emmett Tharp, a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky, the first from Boone's Hollow, unable to find a job in the city, returns to his hometown hoping to find something there. Boone's hollow is not a place that easily accepts strangers or those who leave and come back different. The mountain people have a code of their own, and Addie and Emmett must find a way to become part of the community and part of the healing.

The themes of this book are very timely for today. The story is both encouraging and entertaining. It allows one to escape to another time and place, but not run away from the challenges of the here and now. I am grateful to have received a copy of The Librarian of Boone's Hollow from Waterbrook via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

    

Set during the First World War, Roseanna White's A Portrait of Loyalty takes us once again to England's Old Admiralty Building housing Admiral Hall and his intelligence-gathering, code-breaking staff. This time we are introduced to Lilian Blackwell, Hall's photography expert, and Zevon Marin, a cryptographer from Russia. Zevon, a czarist, has left his country after his fiance was targeted due to his views on the Bolsheviks. As drawn as he becomes to Lilian, he can not allow himself to be the cause of another death.

White develops very personal characters that are easily liked, believable plots, and interesting dialogue. Her books are well-researched, and I highly recommend this book and each of her series. I am grateful to have received a copy of A Portrait of Loyalty from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen - A Book Review

  

How wonderful to be in Ivy Hill among its delightful residents once again! While celebrating the Christmas season with the Brockwells and their house party, we have the opportunity to see the power of the Savior whose birthday we celebrate to change lives. We are reminded of the joy of giving of ourselves and the freedom that comes with forgiveness. This is the Christmas story that goes will beyond a Hallmark story, while still including a touch of romance, a God honoring romance. I recommend this book to put readers in the true Christmas spirit, and am grateful to have received a copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed her are my own.

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox - A Book Review

   

This will likely remain in my top ten books of the year. Amanda Cox's background as a counselor has obviously influenced her ability to write with grace and empathy about such difficult topics as abandonment, PTSD, infertility, homelessness, depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, and suicide. While that list is daunting, to say the least, Cox has woven each of them into this story of healing and beauty. Don't pick up this book when you are in need of a quick read, because it deserves to be savored, but by all means pick it up. I am very grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble - A Book Review

    

I am a big fan of Colleen Coble, and this book is my favorite of her last several books. It is the second novel in her Pelican Harbor series which takes place on the Alabama Gulf Coast. As in many of Coble's books the mystery and suspense stories are set withing a story of family tensions and paths to healing, giving her stories greater depth. The settings of Coble's novels are usually key to the story, and she is an expert at placing her readers in those settings. That is definitely the case in Two Reasons to Run. I highly recommend this book and am grateful to have received a complementary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Deception at Thornecrest by Ashley Weaver - A Book Review

     

Ashley Weaver was a new-to-me author, and I am so glad to have discovered her. I believe fans of Julianna Deering would quickly become fans of Ashley Weaver, and vice versa. A Deception at Thornecrest was a great clean mystery set in a 1934 English village with the requisite vicar, village gossip, inn, festival, manor house, and murder. I read the book in about twenty-four hours as I truly couldn't put it down. I give this book five stars and am very grateful to have received a copy from Minotaur Books via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Last Jihad by Joel C. Rosenberg - A Book Review

    

I had heard so many things about Joel C. Rosenberg and occasionally read his blog, so I finally pulled The Last Jihad from the shelf where it sat for so long. It is a wonderful tale of international intrigue and suspense, filled with intense action. Once only imagined, now theses events could very well fill our headlines. There is a treat hiding behind lots of end matter where Mr. Rosenberg links the story with Biblical prophesy, all quite interesting. Now to see how many more of his books have been lingering on my shelf.

Live Well, Die Broke by Tony Walker - A Book Review

   

While this book didn't hold any new, or earth-shattering information, it did help by affirming what we are already doing with regard to retirement planning. The book's focus on enjoying one's retirement is helpful for those who feel guilty about spending from their savings. Tony Walker keeps it real, which is appreciated. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from WorryFree, Inc via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions stated here are my own.

Nine by Rachelle Dekker - A Book Review

    

Rachelle Dekker has done it again, another high intensity, compelling read! If you loved The Girl Behind the Red Rope, you will be wild about Nine. The theme of Rachelle Dekker's latest work revolves around a human's ability to live beyond their past, to decide who they truly want to be, and to make gains in becoming that person. We don't have to be the product of our past, no matter how strong the programming. Dekker's writing is unique and on-point. Nine is a book that will appeal to both genders. I am grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley with no obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Something Worth Doing by Jane Kirkpatrick - A Book Review

   

I have been a fan of Jane Kirkpatrick's novels since reading Mystic Sweet Communion. I've read ten or eleven of her books, and have reviewed seven prior to Something Worth Doing. I have always appreciated the depth of Kirkpatrick's character development. She selects strong female characters who have made a difference in our nation's history, often in the Pacific Northwest. I typically close her books feeling nostalgic about the main character, the challenges she has overcome, and the lives she has improved. In Something Worth Doing that character is Abigail Jane (Jenny) Scott Duniway, best known for her work in the suffragist movement. Abigail indeed had many challenges to overcome. She was blessed to be well-loved by her husband, Ben, and to have achieved many of her dreams. This book, however, did not leave me with that nostalgic feel. To me it lacked Kirkpatrick's typical character development, and read more like a report on Abigail Duniway. Even so, I am grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley and LibraryThing without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson - A Book Review

    

Melody Carlson's Christmas books are delightful, and The Christmas Swap is no exception. While the ending of the story is never seriously in question, Carlson is able to create angst in the reader as Emma Daley's romance is endangered by her friend, and holiday hostess, Gillian Landers. If you are a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, you will love this book. I am grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley with no obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Haunting At Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright - A Book Review

   

I am giving The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus five stars, but I will say that if I had not been familiar with Jaime Jo Wright's books, and had not trusted that she would be true to Christian values, there were places I would have closed the book and moved on. My trust was not misplaced, and I am very glad that I read on. The book takes place in Bluff River, Wisconsin, home of the Bonaventure Circus and the Watchman. Pippa Ripley is the protagonist in 1928, as Chandler Faulk is in the present day. In 1928 the circus was still in its hey day, but animal rights activists were already bringing attention to the circus. The Bonaventure Circus and the Ripley family were being plagued with unsettling events and circumstances. In present day, Chandler Faulk, as a representative of her uncle's company, is stirring up the past as she seeks to renovate and repurpose Bluff River's old train depot, one that was home to the circus train, and the circus owner's office. Her attention is divided between her career and parenting her son, Peter, while trying her best to reflect confidence and bravery.

Jaime Jo Wright is a wonderful author. Her plots are unique and edgy. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Hidden Currents by Christy Barritt - A Book Review

   

I have several Christy Barritt mysteries on my Kindle, but this is the first one I've read. Now I will be watching for opportunities between advanced reader books to fit in another of Barritt's books. Hidden Currents tells us of Cady's (AKA Cassidy), a Seattle under-cover officer, need to hide out while waiting to testify against the DH-7 gang. The problem is that she has a hard time remaining in character as the ice cream lady when the first murder in three decades occurs in the little community of Lantern Beach. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to fans of clean, contemporary, romantic suspense.