The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare - A Book Review

     

I enjoyed reading The Bronze Bow along with our seventh-grade grandson. Set in the area in and near Capernaum during the time of Jesus' ministry, readers are given a sense of what life was truly like in that setting. They also get a sense of the intensity with which Jesus lived and felt, His compassion and love as well as His weariness.

Daniel, a would-be Zealot, is the main character, supported by some strong secondary characters as he sets aside his dreams in order to fulfill his responsibility to his younger sister. Yet he remains driven to rid the nation of the Romans, looking for a leader to follow in that pursuit. This book is a wonderful choice for parents and grandparents of middle grade students to read and discuss together. I highly recommend it.

Dark Water by Christy Barritt - A Book Review

    

Dark Water is the first book in Christy Barritt's Lantern Beach Blackout series, one of her several Lantern Beach series. Blackout is an organization, started by Colton Locke, that employs former military people to work as security, bodyguards or on other high stakes assignments. When Elise Oliver, widow of a Navy SEAL, finds herself in trouble, it isn't surprising that Colton is the first person she turns to. Unfortunately trouble has followed her straight to Lantern Beach.

I enjoyed this, my second, Christy Barritt romantic-suspense novel, and will continue to read more between ARCs. 

Her Amish Wedding Quilt by Winnie Griggs - A Book Review

   


As expected, this work of Amish fiction provides a sweet, wholesome read. Possibly less expected, it also provides food for thought about the deep theme of the influence of childhood events on adult relationships, for better or for worse. It also gives hope that through the Spirit we can be victors over our thought-life, taking every every thought captive for Christ.

I enjoyed Noah's story of seeking a helpmate and Greta's of seeking acceptance. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Her Amish Wedding Quilt from Hatchette Book Group via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Courting Misfortune by Regina Jennings - A Book Review

    

Fans of Jen Turano will love Regina Jennings' Courting Misfortune. Calista York is an independent, young woman of means who is an undercover Pinkerton agent-in-training looking for a Chicago mobster's missing daughter who was last reported as being seen in Joplin, Missouri. Matthew Cook, new to Joplin, is a young pastor called to work with the miners hoping to strike it rich in the ore fields, miners who frequented Joplin's bars, gambling halls, and brothels. Matthew and Calista both want to serve God by helping others, but will that calling unite or separate them? Jennings has the perfect mix of history, romance, humor, and mystery. The full cast of fun, quirky characters make for a fabulous, fun read. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Courting Misfortune from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen - A Book Review

    


Even the smallest of details in this book are well-researched, truly placing the reader in North Cornwall, England in the early 1800s. I found A Castaway in Cornwall to be a wonderful companion read to The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd, which I had recently read and enjoyed. I felt that Evelyn Bray and Laura Callaway would have been the best of friends. Laura's guardian even shared Evelyn's surname. Both story lines revolve around the frequent shipwrecks off the coast of Northern Cornwall, and the free-traders and smugglers who profited from them. A Castaway in Cornwall also incorporates the conflict between the English and French.

Laura Callaway saves the life of a passenger from a doomed ship, the Kittiwake. She takes him to her uncle's home to recuperate and becomes entangled in his efforts to return home and save his brother from the noose. Throwing caution and propriety to the wind, Laura may also fulfill a long-held dream of her own.

I highly recommend A Castaway in Cornwall and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma - A Book Review

    

I have truly enjoyed Barbour Books' True Colors series, and recommend it often. Gold Digger is the latest addition to the series and is very well researched and written. I can only imagine the nightmares the author must have had while researching the true crimes that inspired this story. It is difficult to reveal anything about this story's content without revealing too much. If you like true crime stories, mysteries that are a bit gruesome, or psychological thrillers, this book is for you. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Gold Digger from Barbour Books via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark - A Book Review

The character development in this novel is superb. Readers will find themselves being woven into the fabric of Harper and Millie’s stories. The theme of holding onto one’s hopes and dreams even through the most discouraging of times will encourage many a flagging spirit as Ashley Clark’s characters impart great wisdom and spiritual guidance. The theme of racial tension and violence will reach to the past and touch the present. This novel and the stories held within will touch your heart. It is one of those books you will not soon forget. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.