Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery - A Brief Comment

    

I have read this book a time or two prior to this most recent reading. I am privileged to be doing my grandson's seventh grade literature class with him during virtual learning due to the pandemic. This was our first of four books in the curriculum that we are using. While it wasn't his favorite (thus his choosing to do it first and get it over with),  I enjoyed another read through. He has done very well comprehending and recognizing the life lessons the book has to offer. Life was so much simpler during the time this book is set, but it certainly wasn't easier, and not without its difficulties. Anne is a wonderful example of someone who takes Philippians 4:8 to heart. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. May we do likewise. 

Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter - A Book Review

   

Autumn Skies is the third book in Denise Hunter's Bluebell Inn series. While a knowledge of the characters and backstory is nice, this book will work well as a stand-alone read. It focuses on Grace Bennett, the youngest of three siblings who completed their parents' dream of converting their historical family home into an inn. It is a love story between the fresh, young, outdoors girl and a Secret Service agent who comes to the inn seeking resolution to a horrific, life-changing event from his childhood. Hunter does a great job of writing passion that does not exceed the boundaries of Christian fiction. She deals sensitively with the importance of resolving childhood trauma, and extending oneself forgiveness and the freedom to joyfully pursue life.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott - A Book Review

    

Set in the Yellowstone National Park in the fall of 1886, Nothing Short of Wondrous gives readers a view of the park's grandeur: the geyser fields, mountain vistas, varied and majestic wildlife, and the strong people who protected it all. Readers who like a strong, female protagonist will not be disappointed in Kate Tremaine, a widowed mother who owns the Geyser Gateway Inn. She is fiercely protective of her son, their way of life, and the park. With her lease up for renewal, Kate has additional reasons to fight for all she loves. Fortunately God often blesses with things one doesn't even realize are needed, and the author demonstrates this through Lieutenant Will Prescott and his men who have come to patrol the area of the park where the Geyser Gateway is located. Will's story encourages hope for those who feel they are living a life of penance and are in need of restoration. Kate and Will's stories are set against a backdrop of those who are set to prosper from Yellowstone's resources at great cost to the park.

This novel is well-written, superbly plotted, with well-developed characters. I am grateful to have received a complementary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano - A Book Review

  

A blessing. That is what The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano is, a blessing. It is a story of true love, most especially about the truest, the love of and for God. It is also about the power of words, their power to wound and destroy, and their power to heal and restore. It is a story of surrendering one's dreams to God, exchanging good for best. My heart will choose to dwell in this book a while longer even though I've read the last word; my soul clings to the wisdom within its covers.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Glimmer in the Darkness by Robin Patchen included in the Dangerous Deceptions Boxed Set - A Book Review

 

Robin Patchen's latest release, Glimmer in the Darkness, is included in the Dangerous Deceptions Christian romantic suspense boxed set. It was wonderful to return to New Hampshire with Robin. I am beginning to know and care about the characters of Coventry, as much as I had her Nutfield, NH characters. In this book readers jump right into a murder and kidnapping case involving young girls. The case appears to be connected to a decade old case in which the suspect, a teenage girl, was never located. Cassidy Leblanc has changed her name and made a life for herself on the west coast, but she is compelled to return to Coventry to search for the man who held her captive a lifetime ago, determined that another young girl won't meet the same fate as her young friend Hallie. She soon realizes that she cannot do this alone, and her close friend, Hallie's brother, may be the only one who can help.

Patchen has once again gifted her readers with an action-filled tale of suspense and deep emotion. Her writing style keeps readers in the palm of her hand and on the edge of their seat. She has long been among my top five favorite suspense writers. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd - A Book Review

   

Ladd's latest installment in her Cornwall series is delightful. William (Liam) Twethewey is now a grown man and has come into his inheritance of the Wyndcliff Estate, for which he has big plans including the mining of China clay. Evelyn Bray has lived in Wyndcliff Cottage with her grandfather most of her life, while he served as estate steward. She thought she knew her community well, but Liam's arrival has caused her to question much of what she thought she knew, and it has caused Liam to wonder what nefarious activities have been going on since his uncle's passing.

Shipwrecks, smuggling, betrayal, and mysterious comings and goings, this book is filled with intrigue and suspense, not to mention romance. For the historical fiction fans, there is the fact that the story is set in the 1820s, a bonus indeed. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Light at Wyndcliff from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Your Hospitality Personality by Morgan Tyree - A Book Review

    

This book is well-organized, well-thought out, and a wealth of information. It includes a hospitality personality quiz, which I found helpful. Tyree gives wonderful hostessing suggestions for each of four hospitality personalities. She also examines hospitality habits and explains how to incorporate those habits into reducing stress and successfully showing hospitality to friends and family. The section on working with and around hospitality hang-ups was filled with good ideas. The specific suggestions made by a variety of Tyree's friends were spot on, and the menu, recipes, decorating and entertainment ideas in the hosting themes chapter were equally on target and appreciated. Overall Tyree reminds us that connecting with those we care about and those we want to get to know better is what is most important. Making people feel valued and connected is what its about. That's what leaves a lasting impression.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Your Hospitality Personality from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Point of Danger by Irene Hannon - A Book Review

    

I love mysteries that have a surprise ending without pulling in something or someone out of left field. In Point of Danger Irene Hannon provides just that. That in itself is worth a five star rating in my book, but Hannon gives us so much more. She sets the story in a very contemporary social situation, the call for freedom of speech as long as it agrees with the listener's world view. In this story this plays out with talk radio listeners and with the loosely organized Antifa organization. She gives us characters who surrender their safety to speak God's truth and to uncover truth in tense situations. She writes believable, natural sounding dialogue that keeps the story rolling. Mystery and suspense fans are in for a real treat.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Point of Danger from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Forever by Your Side by Tracie Peterson - A Book Review

   

Forever by Your Side is the third book in Peterson's Williamette Brides series, following the next generation from her Hearts of the Frontier series. This series works best when read in sequence, and readers won't want to miss anything in the tale of this family's championing the rights of the Native Americans who have been gathered together on reservations in the Pacific Northwest. This book has romance and adventure as Connie Browning and her best friend, Tom Lowell, brave an uprising in order to find the truth as to who is trying to destroy her parents' reputation. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have appreciated being able to continue on with the stories of this extended family. I am grateful to have received a copy of Forever by Your Side from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Everywhere to Hide by Siri Mitchell - A Book Review

    

Everywhere to Hide has an intricate plot involving politics, espionage, cryptocurrency, and murder. Mitchell gives the story an interesting twist by including a key witness who has face blindness, something that impacts about 2.5% of the population to varying degrees. For this witness it means that the killer knows she saw him, but doesn't know that she cannot identify him. It also means that any man passing her on the sidewalk could be the killer set on insuring that she could not lead the authorities to him or testify against him.

I typically review Christian fiction, and this book isn't that, but it is a good, clean read, one that I would recommend. I have given it five stars because of the intricacy of the plot, the pacing of the story, and the author's ability to bring forth great empathy for the protagonist. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Everywhere to Hide from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham - A Book Review

 

     I was so happy to see that the most recent addition to Barbour Publishing's True Colors series was written by Pepper Basham. This particular fictionalized version of the American true crime known as The Courthouse Massacre was a perfect fit for Basham as it took place in her hometown of Carroll County, Virginia. Her stories set in Appalachia are wonderful, including The Red Ribbon. Her characters in this book, especially Ava and Granny Burcham and the chivalrous Jeremiah Sutphin, are endearing. Readers will likely have mixed feelings about Sid Allen, who seems to be a caring citizen while having one foot outside of the law. Of course, given the genre, there are characters whose feet are firmly planted on the side of evil. I especially liked the quotes of homespun wisdom from Granny Bercham or Granddaddy Sutphin at the beginning of each chapter.

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